What is one effect of polypharmacy on patient care?

Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple medications by a patient, often defined as taking five or more medications concurrently. One significant effect of polypharmacy on patient care is that it increases the likelihood of drug interactions. When a patient is prescribed multiple medications, the potential for medications to interact with one another grows, leading to harmful side effects or reduced effectiveness of the medications.

This heightened risk is especially pertinent in older adults or patients with chronic illnesses, as they often take various medications to manage multiple health conditions. Healthcare providers must carefully monitor and evaluate all of a patient's medications to prevent interactions that could harm the patient or complicate their treatment plan. Balancing the benefits of necessary medication with the risks associated with polypharmacy is a critical aspect of patient care.