POLYPHARMACY Meaning and
Definition
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Polypharmacy is a term used in healthcare to describe the administration of multiple medications to a single patient. It refers to the concurrent use of numerous pharmaceutical drugs, either prescribed or over-the-counter, often by different healthcare providers. This term is frequently associated with older adults, as they tend to have multiple chronic conditions that require complex medication regimens.
Polypharmacy generally occurs when a patient is prescribed multiple drugs to manage multiple medical conditions, which can lead to potential complications. It can also arise due to the inappropriate use of medications or the failure to discontinue unnecessary drugs. The consequences of polypharmacy can range from drug interactions, decreased effectiveness of certain medications, increased adverse effects, and medication non-adherence, which can all negatively impact a patient’s health outcomes.
The management of polypharmacy is a complex task that requires collaboration between healthcare providers, pharmacists, and patients. It involves a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history, medication reconciliation, monitoring for drug-drug interactions and side effects, appropriate dosage adjustments, and education regarding proper medication adherence. The aim is to optimize the therapeutic effects of medications while minimizing potential harm.
In conclusion, polypharmacy is the usage of multiple medications concurrently, frequently observed in older individuals with multiple medical conditions. To ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes, healthcare professionals must proactively manage polypharmacy through careful assessment, monitoring, and communication among all parties involved.
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The mixing of many drugs in one prescription; "shotgun" prescribing.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for POLYPHARMACY
Etymology of POLYPHARMACY
The word "Polypharmacy" has Greek origins. It is derived from two Greek words: "poly", meaning "many", and "pharmakon", meaning "drug" or "medicine". Thus, when combined, the word "Polypharmacy" refers to the practice of using multiple drugs concurrently or the prescription of various medications to a patient.
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