What does contraindication mean?
Contraindication is a medical term used for a specific situation or factor that makes a procedure or course of treatment inadvisable because it may be harmful to a person.
For example, having a severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction to a medication may be a contraindication to receiving that medication again in the future. Likewise, pregnancy is often listed as a contraindication to having certain medications or procedures because of the potential harm they may cause to an unborn baby.
What are the two types of contraindications?
There are two types of contraindications including:
1. Absolute contraindications.
- A procedure or medicine that is an absolute contraindication could cause a life-threatening situation, and must be avoided.
- An example of an absolute contraindication is taking the medication isotretinoin during pregnancy because it can cause birth defects, miscarriage and babies to be born early.
2. Relative contraindications.
- A procedure or medicine that is a relative contraindication, should be used with caution.
- An example of a relative contraindication is taking a new drug that may interact with an existing drug you take. If the benefits of taking the two drugs outweighs the risks involved then it may be appropriate to take both with additional monitoring for adverse effects, for example.
- Certain health conditions may also be a relative contraindication to a person participating in certain exercise or fitness programs. For example, high-impact fitness regimes may not be advisable for someone with arthritis and isometric exercises, such as pushups and situps, may not be advisable if you have heart disease.
References
- MedlinePlus. Contraindication. April 15, 2021. [Accessed August 26, 2021]. Available from:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002314.htm.
Read next
Can you take hydroxyzine for anxiety and sleep?
Hydroxyzine is a sedating antihistamine that can be used short-term to treat anxiety and trouble sleeping, but is not meant for long-term use. Medicines typically used first-line for the treatment of anxiety are the antidepressants like the SSRIs or SNRIs (for example: paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram). Continue reading
Amoxicillin rash: When should I be concerned?
From 5% to 10% of children will develop a rash from amoxicillin after taking it, which in most cases, is considered a side effect of amoxicillin and not an allergic rash. But in a small number of cases, the rash will be a sign of an allergic reaction which means the amoxicillin will need to be stopped right away. Continue reading
How often can you use Flonase nasal spray?
Flonase (fluticasone propionate) nasal spray is used once per day in both adults and children to provide 24-hour relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Nasal steroids like Flonase are most effective when used on a regular basis. It may take 3 to 4 days of regular use for the full effect during allergy season. Continue reading
See also:
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is used for type 2 diabetes to help lower blood sugar levels. Mounjaro has also been shown ...
Rybelsus
Rybelsus tablets are used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and may ...
Zepbound
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved weekly injection for weight loss and obstructive sleep ...
Wegovy
Wegovy (semaglutide) an FDA-approved weekly injection for weight loss and to reduce heart risks ...
Victoza
Victoza helps control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of serious heart problems in people ...
Saxenda
Saxenda (liraglutide) injection is used for weight loss in obese or overweight patients. Includes ...
Alli
alli blocks the absorption of some of the fat that you eat and is used to treat obesity. Learn ...
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity. Learn ...
Amphetamine
Amphetamine is a stimulant and is used to trat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder. Includes ...
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection used for weight loss, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes ...
Related medical questions
- Allegra vs Zyrtec: What's the difference?
- Why are my nipples sore? 7 possible causes
- How much Benadryl can I give my dog?
- What is the best way to reduce swelling in your face?
- What drugs should be avoided with a sulfa allergy?
- Is it OK to take antihistamines every day?
- Does Mucinex help with Covid?
- Does Benadryl make you sleepy?
- If people are allergic to amoxicillin can they take cephalexin?
- Can I take doxycycline if I am allergic to penicillin?
- How long do antihistamines take to work?
- Which antihistamines make you drowsy?
- What drugs should I avoid if I have shellfish allergies?
- Does Zyrtec cause weight gain?
- How long does it take for Flonase to work?
- Can I take Celebrex if I have a sulfa allergy?
- Can I take Claritin with Mucinex DM?
- What is Quercetin and what are its health benefits?
- Can dogs take hydroxyzine?
- What flu vaccine can I use with an egg allergy?
- What causes shortness of breath after eating?
- What medications do I avoid with a soy allergy?
- Is Xyzal available over-the-counter?
- Nonprescription treatments for acne – so many choices!
- I think I have an allergy to my antibiotic! What can I do to treat my infection?
- If I am Lactose Intolerant or Lactose Allergic, are there Medications I should Avoid?
- Over the Counter Medication for Pets
Related support groups
- Allergies (173 questions, 463 members)