What does polypharmacy refer to?

Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple medications by a patient, often defined as the concurrent use of five or more prescription medications. This practice is particularly common among elderly patients who may have multiple chronic conditions requiring various treatments. It is important to carefully manage polypharmacy because it can increase the risk of drug interactions, adverse effects, and complications related to medication adherence. Understanding polypharmacy is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective medication management and to minimize potential health risks associated with taking multiple drugs.