What does the term 'polypharmacy' refer to?

Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple medications by a patient, typically defined as taking five or more different drugs simultaneously. This term is particularly relevant in the context of treating patients with multiple chronic conditions who may require various medications to manage their health effectively. The complexity of managing polypharmacy arises from the potential for drug interactions, increased side effects, and the challenges in adherence to medication regimens. Therefore, understanding polypharmacy is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective medication management for their patients.