What does the term 'polypharmacy' refer to?

The term 'polypharmacy' specifically refers to the use of multiple medications by a patient, often defined as taking five or more medications simultaneously. This situation is particularly common among elderly patients or those with chronic conditions requiring complex treatment regimens. Polypharmacy is significant in clinical practice because it increases the risk of drug interactions, medication non-adherence, and various side effects, making it essential for healthcare providers to regularly review and manage a patient’s medication list.

The focus on polypharmacy underscores the need for careful medication management and monitoring to ensure that each medication prescribed is necessary, appropriate, and effective, minimizing the risk of adverse effects and improving patient outcomes. This is particularly vital in the context of medication therapy management, where optimizing pharmacotherapy is crucial for effective patient care.