What does polypharmacy refer to, and what are its risks?

Polypharmacy specifically refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, which is particularly common among older adults who often have several chronic conditions requiring treatment. The risks associated with polypharmacy primarily relate to the increased likelihood of drug interactions and adverse side effects. When multiple medications are taken together, the body may react unpredictably, leading to diminished effectiveness of some drugs or heightened toxicity, which can complicate patient care and result in negative health outcomes.

Furthermore, the complexity of managing several prescriptions can make it harder for patients to remain adherent to their medication regimens, potentially resulting in missed doses or errors in medication take. Therefore, it's critical for healthcare providers to carefully review a patient’s medication list regularly, ensuring that each drug is still necessary and that they are aware of any potential interactions. This careful management helps mitigate the risks associated with polypharmacy while ensuring that patients receive appropriate and effective treatments for their health conditions.