Contraindicated
A reason a treatment should not be used — either never, or not without weighing it up.
What it means
A specific reason a treatment should not be given to you.
- Absolute contraindication — it should not be used at all. A previous severe allergic reaction, for example
- Relative contraindication — there is a real risk, but it may still be the right choice if the benefit is large enough
Most contraindications are relative, and "contraindicated" in a letter is often shorthand for a judgement that was made rather than a rule that was applied.
In practice
In medication information leaflets, clinic letters, and explanations of why a treatment was not offered.
Also on the labelling of every medicine you are prescribed, where the list is comprehensive rather than personalised.
Why it matters
Ask whether it is absolute or relative. That single question changes whether it is a closed door or a judgement worth discussing.
Ask what the alternative is. A contraindication should come with a plan B.
Make sure real allergies are recorded properly — and equally, that things recorded as allergies which were actually side effects get corrected. Wrongly recorded penicillin allergy is extremely common and it leads to worse antibiotic choices for life.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Mohammad Zubair Khan, GMC 7563469
Last reviewed
August 30, 2026