Polypharmacy and Inappropriate Medication Use

Overview & Synopsis

Polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use have become major global healthcare challenges, particularly among older adults, patients with multimorbidity, pregnant women, and individuals receiving long-term treatment for chronic diseases. While the use of multiple medications is often necessary, it can increase the risk of adverse drug events, drug–drug interactions, herb–drug interactions, medication errors, poor adherence, and avoidable hospitalizations. This book provides a timely and comprehensive overview of the causes, consequences, and management of inappropriate medication practices across diverse patient populations. It explores important topics such as deprescribing, medication review, patient-centered care, chronic disease management, anticholinergic burden, medication safety during pregnancy and lactation, and the hidden risks associated with multi-mechanism drugs. The volume also highlights innovative approaches, including multi-target drug design, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and safer prescribing strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes. Bringing together clinical, pharmacological, and healthcare perspectives, this book serves as a valuable resource for pharmacists, physicians, nurses, researchers, healthcare administrators, and policymakers seeking practical solutions to optimize medication use and enhance patient safety.