US Medical Term · medications
Contraindication
Contraindicación
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Contraindication |
| Spanish (Español) | Contraindicación |
| Chinese (中文) | 禁忌症 |
| Korean (한국어) | 금기증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Chống chỉ định |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Kontraindikasyon |
| Portuguese (Português) | Contraindicação |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ข้อห้ามใช้ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 禁忌 |
What it means
A contraindication is a medical reason why a specific drug should not be used in a particular patient because the risk of harm outweighs the benefit. For example, a blood thinner may be contraindicated in a patient with active internal bleeding. Absolute contraindications mean the drug must never be given under those circumstances, while relative contraindications mean it should generally be avoided but may be used cautiously in select cases. Your doctor and pharmacist review your medical history and current medications to identify contraindications before prescribing or dispensing a new drug. Always share your full health history with your care team.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Is there any contraindication to taking this medication with my heart condition?
¿Existe alguna contraindicación para tomar este medicamento con mi condición cardíaca?
My doctor said aspirin is contraindicated for me because I have a stomach ulcer.
Mi médico dijo que la aspirina está contraindicada para mí porque tengo una úlcera estomacal.
Are there any contraindications I should know about before starting this new drug?
¿Hay alguna contraindicación que deba conocer antes de comenzar este nuevo medicamento?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026