What is polypharmacy?

Polypharmacy refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, often defined as taking five or more medications simultaneously. This practice is especially common among older adults who may have multiple health conditions requiring treatment. While polypharmacy can be necessary to manage complex medical issues, it carries risks such as drug interactions, increased side effects, and the potential for patient confusion regarding their medication regimens. Understanding polypharmacy is crucial for healthcare providers to optimize medication management and ensure patient safety, particularly for those with chronic illnesses or those who are elderly.

The other options do not correctly define polypharmacy. Prescribing the minimum effective dose focuses on the quantity and effectiveness of a single medication. Conducting a medication audit involves reviewing a patient's medications for accuracy and appropriateness, rather than recognizing the challenge of managing many drugs at once. The reduction of medications in elderly patients is a strategy to combat polypharmacy but does not encapsulate the definition itself.