This module provides an overview of appropriate and inappropriate polypharmacy and the role of deprescribing. Once you have completed the module you will be able to describe problematic polypharmacy and the risk factors for harm. You will also be able to explain a seven-step process for having a patient-centred dialogue about their medication.

Original contributing author: Alpana Mair FFRPS, IP, MRPharmS, head of effective prescribing and therapeutics, Scottish Government; Scottish Quality, Safety & Improvement Fellow.

First published: 2020 
Reviewed and updated: September 2026