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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 for people with high blood pressure.

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.



Information:



Review Date: 2/9/2005
Reviewed By: Thomas A. Owens, M.D., Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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