What does the term "polypharmacy" refer to?

The term "polypharmacy" specifically refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, often defined as taking five or more medications. This situation commonly occurs among older adults or patients with chronic conditions requiring multiple treatments. The primary concern with polypharmacy is the increased risk of drug interactions, side effects, and medication non-adherence, making it crucial for healthcare providers to regularly review a patient's medication regimen. Understanding polypharmacy is vital for managing the overall safety and effectiveness of medication therapies, especially for populations at higher risk such as the elderly.