Use of multiple medications increasing interaction risks is described as which term?

Use of multiple medications increasing interaction risks is described as which term?

• A. Monotherapy
• B. Polypharmacy
• C. Polytherapy
• D. Pharmacokinetics

Answer: (B)

Taking multiple medications increases the risk of drug–drug interactions and adverse effects, so the term used is polypharmacy. This is common in older adults with several chronic conditions and can lead to adverse drug events, decreased adherence, confusion, falls, and higher costs. Managing it involves regular medication reconciliation, evaluating each drug for ongoing necessity, simplifying regimens, and deprescribing when appropriate. Monotherapy refers to using a single drug, pharmacokinetics is about how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates drugs, and polytherapy is a broader, less specific term for multiple therapies.

Taking multiple medications increases the risk of drug–drug interactions and adverse effects, so the term used is polypharmacy. This is common in older adults with several chronic conditions and can lead to adverse drug events, decreased adherence, confusion, falls, and higher costs. Managing it involves regular medication reconciliation, evaluating each drug for ongoing necessity, simplifying regimens, and deprescribing when appropriate. Monotherapy refers to using a single drug, pharmacokinetics is about how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates drugs, and polytherapy is a broader, less specific term for multiple therapies.