What it means
The FDA approves each drug for certain indications, which appear on its label. A prescriber may use a drug for another reason, called off-label use. The opposite is a contraindicationkon-truh-in-dih-KAY-shunA reason not to give a drug or do a treatment, because in that person it could cause harm.contra- againstindication a reason to useFull entry , a reason not to use it.
For the nurse
Know why each drug is ordered for this client; if you cannot match a drug to a reason, check before giving it.
At a glance
| Spanish | indicación |
|---|---|
| Also written | indications |
Related terms
side effect
An effect of a drug, other than the one it is given for, that is known and expected to happen in some people.
contraindication
A reason not to give a drug or do a treatment, because in that person it could cause harm.