Polimedicação

Polimedicação, also known as polypharmacy, refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient. This typically involves taking five or more different medications simultaneously. While not inherently negative, polimedicação is often associated with increased risks, particularly in older adults.

The reasons for polimedicação can be varied. Patients may have multiple chronic conditions requiring different treatments, or they may be seeing several healthcare providers who prescribe medications independently. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to counteract the side effects of other medications.

The primary concern with polimedicação is the elevated risk of adverse drug events. These can include drug interactions, where medications interfere with each other's effects, leading to reduced efficacy or increased toxicity. Patients on multiple medications are also more susceptible to side effects, which can be difficult to attribute to a specific drug, leading to diagnostic challenges. Furthermore, cognitive impairment and adherence issues, such as forgetting to take medications or taking them incorrectly, become more prevalent with a complex medication regimen.

Managing polimedicação often involves a comprehensive medication review by a healthcare professional. This process aims to identify unnecessary medications, optimize dosages, check for potential interactions, and simplify the regimen to improve patient safety and adherence. The goal is to ensure that each medication is still indicated, effective, and safe for the individual patient.