Contraindications

Definition

A contraindication is a specific situation in which a drug, procedure, or surgery should NOT be used, because it may be harmful to the patient.

Some treatments may cause unwanted or dangerous reactions in people with allergies, high blood pressure, or pregnancy. For example, certain decongestants are contraindicated in people with high blood pressure and therefore should be avoided.

Many medications interact and should not be used together by the same person. For instance, a person who takes warfarin to thin the blood should not take aspirin.

There are two types of contraindications:

  • Partial contraindication means that caution should be used when two drugs or procedures are used together.
  • Absolute contraindication means that it could result in a life-threatening situation.
Review Date: 1/22/2007
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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