Polypharmacy, commonly defined as the use of five or more medications, has become a growing concern as life expectancy increases and patients present with multiple chronic conditions. While necessary in many cases, excessive or inappropriate prescribing raises the risk of drug interactions, adverse events, and reduced adherence. The clinical challenge: For physicians, the balance lies between following disease-specific guidelines and treating the patient holistically. Often, recommendations from different specialties overlap, leading to complex regimens.
This calls for careful medication reconciliation, deprescribing strategies, and shared decision-making with patients. Practical approach: Regular medication reviews, prioritizing evidence-based prescribing, and considering non-pharmacological alternatives can help reduce pill burden. Tools like the Beers Criteria and STOPP/START…
