What does polypharmacy refer to in older adults?

Polypharmacy refers specifically to the use of multiple medications by a patient, particularly in older adults who often have multiple chronic conditions that necessitate various treatments. This practice raises concerns due to the increased risk of adverse drug interactions, potential for medication non-adherence, and the overall complexity of managing numerous medications.

In older adults, polypharmacy can lead to negative health outcomes, such as increased falls, cognitive impairment, and hospitalization, highlighting the importance of regular medication reviews and careful management to ensure that each medication is necessary and beneficial. This is especially crucial as elderly patients frequently see multiple healthcare providers, which can lead to overlapping prescriptions and a higher likelihood of taking medications that are not comprehensively monitored.

The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of polypharmacy; for example, the use of a single medication, refusal to take any medication, and purchasing medications over-the-counter do not encompass the broader practice described by polypharmacy, which is characterized by the concurrent use of various medications.