In daily life, if you have read drug instructions, you often see the words "use with caution", "avoid use", and "prohibit use". They may seem similar, but their meanings are vastly different, which is crucial for ensuring safe medication for patients. Accurately understanding the differences between these three words can help us avoid adverse consequences caused by improper medication. Patients must carefully read the instructions and understand these warning messages before taking medication. If you are unsure whether you can use a certain medication, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist in a timely manner. Do not self medicate to avoid unnecessary health risks. Be cautious, weigh carefully, and closely observe. "Use with caution" means extra caution is needed when taking medication. Usually, it is because certain groups of people (such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, people with liver and kidney dysfunction, etc.) may experience adverse reactions after using the drug, but it is not absolutely impossible to use it. Doctors or pharmacists will comprehensively evaluate the pros and cons of medication based on the patient's specific condition, physical condition, and the characteristics of the medication. If the benefits of medication outweigh the potential risks, it can be used under close observation and closely monitor physical reactions during the medication process. For example, pregnant women should use certain antibiotics with caution because some antibiotics may affect fetal development through the placenta, but in some cases of severe infections, if antibiotics are not used to control the condition, it may cause greater harm to both the pregnant woman and the fetus. At this point, doctors will weigh the pros and cons, carefully choose appropriate antibiotics, and closely monitor the condition of pregnant women and fetuses. It is best not to use it as it carries a high risk. "Do not use" means it is best to avoid using the drug. Generally speaking, patients who use such drugs are more likely to experience adverse reactions or may worsen their existing condition. But this does not mean that it cannot be used absolutely. In some special cases, if a doctor's professional judgment determines that the necessity of medication outweighs the risks, it can also be used with caution, but close observation of changes in the condition is necessary. For example, patients with gastric ulcers should avoid using aspirin. Aspirin has the effect of inhibiting platelet aggregation and is commonly used to prevent cardiovascular disease, but it can also stimulate the gastric mucosa, worsen the symptoms of gastric ulcers, and even cause serious complications such as gastric bleeding. Therefore, patients with gastric ulcers should avoid using aspirin as much as possible, unless under the strict evaluation and guidance of a doctor, it is believed that the benefits of the medication far outweigh the risks. Prohibition is absolutely prohibited. Do not attempt to use the medication. "Prohibition" is the strictest warning, which means that patients should not use the medication under any circumstances. Once used, it may cause serious adverse reactions and even endanger life. This is a conclusion based on the safety and efficacy of the drug, obtained through extensive clinical research and experimentation. For example, patients who are allergic to penicillin should avoid using penicillin antibiotics. Penicillin allergic reactions may occur rapidly, resulting in serious symptoms such as rash, difficulty breathing, and anaphylactic shock. If not treated promptly, it may be life-threatening. Therefore, for patients who are allergic to penicillin, it is necessary to strictly prohibit penicillin antibiotics and not hold any lucky mentality. Wen/Chi Wei (Beijing Huilongguan Hospital) (News Agency)