Strategies for addressing polypharmacy issue in Ukraine

Abstract

Polypharmacy is a pressing issue in clinical medicine due to the increasing use of medications from various pharmacological groups. According to numerous studies, polypharmacy is defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications. It is most commonly observed in patients with chronic diseases and comorbidities, as well as in the elderly. With aging, both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics changes occur in the body's response to medications. After the age of 45, the functional capacities of most systems and organs gradually decline. Drug interactions can not only alter their effectiveness but also pose potential risks of adverse effects, especially when medications are taken with food, beverages, or other drugs. The aim of this study was to analyze modern approaches to the analysis of drug interactions in the practical realm of healthcare provided by physicians and pharmacists.