How does AMLS define polypharmacy risks?

Polypharmacy is defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications, and this is particularly concerning as it can significantly increase the risks of adverse drug interactions. When patients are prescribed numerous medications, the potential for one drug to interact negatively with another increases, leading to ineffective treatment, side effects, or even harmful reactions. This situation is especially prevalent in elderly populations or individuals with multiple chronic conditions who often require various medications to manage their health.

While other aspects of patient health, such as hydration status, nutrition, mental health, and cognitive function, can be affected by the medications a patient takes, the core of polypharmacy involves the interaction of multiple drugs and the resultant complications. Thus, understanding the risks associated with polypharmacy primarily revolves around recognizing how the concurrent use of these medications can lead to complex interaction profiles that healthcare providers need to manage carefully.