Glossary

Polypharmacy refers to the simultaneous use of multiple medications by an individual. Here's a glossary of the top twenty terms related to polypharmacy:

Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR): Unintended and harmful responses to medications, which can be more likely with polypharmacy.

Beers Criteria: A list of medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults, often used to guide deprescribing decisions.

Compliance/Adherence: The extent to which a patient follows the prescribed medication regimen.

Pharmacokinetics: The study of how the body processes drugs, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Deprescribing: The systematic process of discontinuing medications or reducing dosages, often to address polypharmacy and improve patient outcomes.

Drug Interaction: When the effects of one drug are altered by the presence of another drug, potentially leading to unexpected side effects or reduced efficacy.

Drug Regimen Complexity: The level of difficulty associated with a patient's medication regimen, considering factors like dosage frequency, number of medications, and administration routes.

Drug Utilization Review (DUR): An evaluation of prescription drug use to identify potential issues such as duplication, interactions, and inappropriate use.

Formulary: A list of prescription drugs covered by a health insurance plan, often categorized by tiers that determine patient copayments.

Geriatric Pharmacology: The study of how aging affects the body's response to medications, which is crucial in managing polypharmacy in the elderly.

Hepatic Clearance: The removal of drugs from the blood by the liver, impacting drug metabolism and potential interactions.

Medication Reconciliation: The process of creating an accurate list of all medications a patient is taking to avoid discrepancies and potential issues.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Non-prescription drugs available without a prescription, which should also be considered in polypharmacy assessments.

Patient-Centered Care: An approach that considers the patient's preferences, values, and goals when making decisions about their healthcare, including medication management in cases of polypharmacy.

Pharmacodynamics: The study of the effects drugs have on the body, including the mechanisms of action and the relationship between drug concentration and response.

Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM): An entity that manages prescription drug benefits on behalf of insurers, employers, or government programs.

Polypharmacy: The practice of prescribing or using multiple medications concurrently, often with potential risks and complications.

Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIM): Medications that may pose more risks than benefits, especially in older adults.

Renal Clearance: The process by which drugs are eliminated from the body through the kidneys, important in adjusting drug dosages, especially in cases of renal impairment.

Therapeutic Duplication: Prescribing multiple medications with similar therapeutic effects, which can increase the risk of adverse effects.