Definition
The use of multiple medications by a single patient, typically five or more, creating a pharmaceutical cocktail that would impress any mixologist. It's when your pill organizer needs its own organizer.
Example Usage
The elderly patient's polypharmacy increased her risk of adverse drug interactions and falls.
Origin
From Greek 'poly' (many) + 'pharmakeia' (use of drugs)
Fun Fact
Studies show that patients taking five or more medications have a 50% chance of experiencing adverse drug interactions, and the risk increases exponentially with each additional medication.
Source: Geriatric medicine and medication management standards
Related Terms
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