GUIDELINES FOR MEDICINES CHECKED FOR PASSOVER 5783 - 2023
The Kashrut Authority has again this year investigated a large range of prescription medicines. While there are leniencies for certain oral medicines on Pesach (as outlined below in paragraph #3), the Jewish People - "Holy and Pure" have customarily tried to avoid using leniencies with oral medications on Pesach when at all possible. As such they have always tried to use oral medications that are Chametz free. This is especially the case when treating a mild malady such as a headache or a cold.
Furthermore, even in the case of more serious illnesses there are many medications that have a chametz free identical substitute. However, even in cases where a substitute may be available, the substitution must not be done by the patient alone, but must at all times be done under the guidance of their medical practitioner and/or pharmacist.
KEY GUIDELINES
- CHAMETZ MEDICATIONS THAT COME IN CAPSULE FORM OR IN A BITTER OR INEDIBLE PILL OR TABLET MAY BE CONSUMED ON PESACH
- CHAMETZ MEDICATION THAT HAS A PLEASANT TASTE MAY BE PLACED IN A CAPSULE AND CONSUMED ON PESACH. MOST CHEMISTS SELL CAPSULES.
- WHEN IN DOUBT PLACE THE MEDICATION IN A CAPSULE
- ANY PLEASANT CHAMETZ MEDICATION THAT CAN NOT BE PLACED IN A CAPSULE AND IS CHAMETZ SHOULD BE DISCUSSED WITH YOUR RAV OR RAV GUTNICK
- ANY MEDICATION THAT COMES IN A NON FOOD FORM SUCH AS CREAMS AND LOTIONS MAY BE USED ON PESACH
|
The following are common analgesics and fever reducers available for Pesach:
For infants:
These infant and children drops/elixirs rely on certain leniencies( especially for children) – as such they should be kept separate and not allowed to come in contact with Pesach items. Most other infant drops and elixirs contain actual chametz and therefore in the first instance only the above should be used. We have provided both paracetamol and ibuprofen alternatives.
|
Click here for the medicine list