polypharmacy

[ pol-ee-fahr-muh-see ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. the use of two or more drugs together, usually to treat a single condition or disease.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polypharmacy¹

First recorded in 1755–65; poly- + pharmacy

Example Sentences

In this group, there was a 9.5 percent increase in the prevalence of “polypharmacy,” which the study defined as taking three or more different classes of psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants, sedatives and drugs for A.D.H.D. and anxiety drugs.

From New York Times

At the same time, some research using nationally weighted samples have revealed the increasing prevalence of polypharmacy among young people.

From New York Times

Further, polypharmacy puts the individual at greater risk for drug interactions and adverse health outcomes, she said.

From Science Daily

She also found that rates of polypharmacy, or when an individual takes five or more drugs at the same time, have risen to alarming levels.

From Science Daily

Public health officials first grew concerned about the problem of multiple medication use, or polypharmacy, a decade ago, when it emerged among young people in foster care and low-income settings.

From New York Times