Glossary · Polypharmacy
Definition

What is polypharmacy?

The simultaneous use of multiple medications by a single patient, typically five or more. Common in elderly adults managing multiple chronic conditions, polypharmacy increases the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and medication errors.

Nearly 40% of adults over 65 take five or more prescription medications. Polypharmacy is a leading cause of adverse drug events, hospital readmissions, and falls in seniors. The risk compounds because many seniors see multiple specialists who may not coordinate prescriptions. Daily check-in conversations can surface symptoms of drug interactions — dizziness, confusion, nausea, fatigue — that the senior might not report to a doctor. Tracking medication adherence daily also reveals patterns of intentional non-adherence (skipping doses due to side effects or cost).

Related terms

Medication Adherence— The extent to which a patient takes their medications as prescribed — at the right dose, at the right time, and for the right duration.Fall Prevention— Strategies and interventions designed to reduce the risk of falls in elderly adults, including home modifications, exercise programs, medication reviews, vision checks, and daily monitoring.

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