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

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

From Science Daily • Oct. 12, 2023

What’s more, Dr. Erickson said it’s common for some people — especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities — to have other medical conditions that require five or more prescriptions, a scenario known as polypharmacy.

From New York Times • Sep. 21, 2021

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

Those who practised polypharmacy administered at night a mixture of nitre, camphor, red-lead, and rhubarb, in half a pailful of warm water; and greatly did they boast of the active influence of this beverage.

From On the cattle plague: or, Contagious typhus in horned cattle. Its history, origin, description, and treatment by Bourguignon, Honor?