What is the term for the use of multiple medications that can lead to significant symptoms?

The term "polypharmacy" refers specifically to the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, particularly those who are older or have complex health issues. This practice can lead to various adverse effects, including increased risk of drug interactions, side effects, and complications, resulting in significant health symptoms. Polypharmacy is particularly a concern in populations with multiple chronic conditions, as managing several medications can become complicated and might lead to an increased likelihood of mismanagement.

In contrast, polydrugging, while similar, is more of a broad term that can refer to the use of multiple drugs in general, without specifically implying the issues related to managing various medications. Overmedication focuses on taking more medication than necessary, which can occur as a result of polypharmacy but is not synonymous with it. Medication mismanagement encompasses a range of mistakes or issues related to medication use but does not explicitly describe the concurrent use of multiple medications as polypharmacy does. Therefore, polypharmacy is the most precise term to describe the situation of using multiple medications that can lead to significant symptoms.