[Medical Q&A] What is the difference between prohibited, taboo, and cautious use in drug instructions?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Zhao Jie, Chief Pharmacist Professor of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University

In the drug instructions, the [Contraindications] item will contain three prompts: "Prohibited", "Avoid use", and "Use with caution". Although these three words are only one letter different, they represent different medication restrictions and precautions.

"Prohibited" means "prohibited from use". Some drugs may cause serious adverse reactions or poisoning in some people. These people should be strictly prohibited from using the drugs. The most common words are "prohibited for those who are allergic to this product". For example, penicillin should be prohibited for those who are allergic to penicillin. "Avoid" means "best not to use", that is, it is not suitable for use or should be avoided, because taking such drugs may cause obvious adverse reactions. When the condition is urgent, you can choose alternative drugs with similar pharmacological effects and fewer adverse reactions under the guidance of a doctor. If the drug must be used, other drugs that counteract its adverse reactions should be used in combination. For example, aminoglycosides have certain toxic effects on the nervous system and should be avoided by patients with tinnitus. "Use with caution" means "use with caution". After use, the medication should be closely observed and the drug should be stopped immediately if adverse reactions occur. Usually, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and patients with poor heart, liver, and kidney function need to use with caution, because the drug metabolism function (including detoxification and excretion function) in these people is poor. But using with caution does not mean that it cannot be used. When encountering drugs that are used with caution at home, you should consult a doctor before using them. For example, cephalosporin antibiotics are drugs that should be used with caution during pregnancy. Understanding the differences between these three terms will help you use the drugs correctly and ensure their safety.