Internationale Zeitschrift für Theranostik

Concept of Polypharmacy, its Causes, Consequences, and Strategies to Help Older Adults to Manage their Medications

Ivkoc Ramos

The aging population is growing, and with it comes a surge in health concerns and medical treatments. As a result, older adults often find themselves managing multiple chronic conditions and taking numerous medications. This practice, known as polypharmacy, can have a significant impact on their health and well-being. Polypharmacy is defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications, typically involving five or more, by a single patient. It often arises from the necessity to manage a variety of health conditions that become more prevalent with age, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. While each medication may be essential for treating a specific ailment, the interaction between them can result in a complex and potentially harmful medication regimen. As individuals age, they are more likely to develop several chronic health issues, necessitating multiple medications to manage these conditions effectively.