What is Polypharmacy?
Polypharmacy is a word used to describe the intake of five or more medications by a patient. Excessive polypharmacy refers to the use of 10 or more drugs. Polypharmacy is often used in geriatric care since most older people suffer from multiple chronic conditions like sugar, high blood pressure, etc. People might suffer adverse effects due to polypharmacy, and for more details, you can consult with your nearest geriatrician (use search options like "geriatrician near me" to find one). In India, Polypharmacy is prevalent among 45% of older people, and excessive polypharmacy is prevalent among 40%. People with polypharmacy are known to use at least one unwanted medication. This can be a customarily prescribed medicine, over-the-counter drugs, or complementary medicines from Ayurveda and Siddha.
Effect of Polypharmacy Adverse drug events: Polypharmacy can result in adverse drug events. While taking unwanted medicines, the normally prescribed medication in the safe dose can start producing side effects. Prescription cascade: The side effects caused by the medicine might be considered to be a new symptom or disease, and a new medicine might be prescribed to treat it. The new medicine can cause a new side effect for which another medicine is prescribed, and the cycle goes on. This can cause older people to take more medicines and also increase the money spent on the medications.
Appropriate Polypharmacy For older people with multiple health conditions, it is inevitable to take more than one medication. In that case, it is essential to prescribe medicines to avoid the above-mentioned adverse effects. With appropriate polypharmacy, a geriatrician considers the patient's medical condition, the outcomes involved, the patient's wishes, and possible effects before prescribing drug doses. Unnecessary medications are tapered by withdrawing or reducing the amount.
Kauvery Hospital Every doctor should take note of the medications that a patient takes and prescribe additional medications while keeping polypharmacy in mind. If you take more than 3-4 medications, then use options like "geriatrician near me" to consult with the nearest geriatrician and check your dosages. Geriatrician in Chennai | Geriatrician in Salem | Geriatrician in Trichy | Geriatrician in Hosur