Know you medical terms: Contraindication

Do you know what 'contraindication' means? Find out here

By: Shraddha Rupavate | | Published: July 1, 2014 12:17 pm

In medicine, the term ‘contra’ means against and the term ‘indication’ is used for a valid reason for taking a particular test, medicine or procedure. So, contraindication basically means against a valid reason or a reason not to take a particular test, medicine or procedure.

When it comes to drugs or medicines, contraindication defines specific circumstances in which the drug should not be taken or can have undesirable outcome (allergies, side-effects or adverse-event) if taken. For e.g. the drug asprin is contraindicated in patients with stomach ulcers because it might lead to events like internal bleeding.

There are two types of contraindications:

Relative contraindication: It means the drug may be avoided completely but required to be be used with caution, preferably when the benefits of using it outweighs the risk
Absolute contraindication: It means that the drug or procedure can lead to life-threatening situations and should be completely avoided in all cases.

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Published: July 1, 2014 12:17 pm

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