What are contraindications in medication use?

Contraindications in medication use refer to specific situations or conditions in which a drug should not be prescribed or taken because it could cause harm to the patient. This may include factors such as certain medical conditions, other medications the patient is taking, allergies, or particular demographic considerations (like age or pregnancy). The identification of contraindications is crucial for ensuring patient safety and minimizing the risk of adverse effects.

The other options presented do not capture the essence of contraindications. Dosage adjustments are typically related to the proper administration of a medication rather than prohibiting its use. Off-label use may involve prescribing a medication outside of its approved indications but does not inherently suggest any risk factors that contraindications would cover. Finally, possible side effects describe the adverse reactions that might be experienced when taking a medication, which is separate from the concept of contraindications, as side effects may still occur even in patients for whom a medication is deemed appropriate.