Define polypharmacy.

Polypharmacy refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications, often seen in patients who may have multiple health conditions requiring various treatments. This practice can increase the risk of adverse drug interactions, side effects, and complications, particularly in older adults or those with complex medical needs.

In the context of this definition, polypharmacy is generally described as using five or more medications simultaneously, which can complicate patient management and adherence to prescribed therapies. It highlights the importance of careful medication management, including regular reviews of the necessity of each medication, to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes while minimizing risks associated with taking multiple drugs at once.

The other options do not capture the concept of polypharmacy accurately, as they focus on different aspects of pharmacological therapy rather than the concurrent use of multiple medications.