polypharmacy

American  

[pol-ee-fahr-muh-see] / ˌpɒl iˈfɑr mə si /

noun

Pharmacology.

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

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Etymology

Origin of polypharmacy

First recorded in 1755–65; poly- + pharmacy

Example Sentences

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 • Oct. 12, 2023

Among their results found rising rates of use of common medications and increase rates of polypharmacy.

From Washington Times • Jun. 13, 2018

The work is part of a provocative and growing body of research that documents how polypharmacy — the use of multiple prescription drugs at the same time — has risen in the United States.

From Washington Post • Jun. 12, 2018

Our ability to synthesize various ingredients to reduce pain isn’t an exclusively modern development; medieval and Renaissance doctors were devout believers in polypharmacy.

From Slate • May 6, 2013

The commentary triumphantly made by this lover of polypharmacy in the case in which this medicine was administered, runs thus:—"These things being exactly performed, this noble gentleman was cured."

From Chapters in the History of the Insane in the British Isles by Tuke, Daniel Hack