Contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment. Contraindication is the opposite of indication, which is a reason to use a certain treatment.
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.
There are two types of contraindications:
Relative contraindication means that caution should be used when two drugs or procedures are used together. It is acceptable to do so if the benefits outweigh the risk.
Absolute contraindication means that event or substance could cause a life-threatening situation. A procedure or medication that falls under this category should be avoided.