Contraindication

>An absolute contraindication is a situation which makes a particular treatment or procedure absolutely inadvisable.

In a baby, for example, aspirin is absolutely contraindicated because of the danger that aspirin will cause Reye syndrome.

</LI></UL> > >A relative contraindication is a condition which makes a particular treatment or procedure somewhat inadvisable but does not rule it out.

For example, X-rays in pregnancy are relatively contraindicated (because of concern for the developing fetus) unless the X-rays are absolutely necessary.

</LI></UL> A contraindication is literally contra- (against) an indication, against something that is indicated as advisable or necessary.