Word parts
What it means
Taking several drugs at once, prescribed or over the counter. It is common in older adults with several chronic diseases and with several prescribers. It raises the risk of drug interactiondrug in-ter-AK-shunA change in how a drug works when it is taken with another drug, a food, a drink or a supplement.Full entry , side effects, falls, confusion and mistakes with taking medicines, and can lead to a "prescribing cascade", where a side effect is treated with yet another drug.
For the nurse
Do a full medication review, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements ("brown bag" review), and ask the prescriber about drugs that may no longer be needed. The Beers Criteria list drugs that are risky for older adults. Teach the client to use one pharmacy and to keep an up-to-date medicine list.
At a glance
| Spanish | polifarmacia |
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Related terms
adverse effect
An unwanted and harmful effect of a drug or treatment given at a normal dose.
comorbidity
A disease or condition that a person has at the same time as another, main condition.
drug interaction
A change in how a drug works when it is taken with another drug, a food, a drink or a supplement.