💊 Pesach Medicine Guidelines
From the OU Passover Guide 5786 — Non-Food Items section
⚠️ Important: Exercise extreme caution and consult with your doctor and rabbi before making a decision not to take a medicine.
Non-Chewable Pills, Creams & Injections
Known and tested medications in the form of creams, non-chewable pills, and injections may be owned, used, and consumed on Pesach — even if they contain chametz or kitniyot — since they are inedible. This covers most medicines used by adults.
However, if an equally effective chametz-free alternative is available or procurable, this should be used instead.
Liquid Medicines, Chewable Pills & Coated Pills
Liquid medicines, chewable pills, and pills coated with a flavored glaze are considered palatable and may contain chametz. Gelcaps may also present a problem because they may contain non-kosher edible gelatin.
Option A: Substitute
If possible, replace under the direction of a doctor with a non-chewable, uncoated pill.
Option B: Danger (Sakana)
If substitution is not possible and the person is in a state of sakana or safek sakana (any possible danger to human life), the medication may be owned and consumed. A rabbi should be consulted about purchase timing and disposal after the danger passes.
Option C: No Danger
If substitution is not possible and a doctor determines no possibility of sakana, consult a rabbi. He may determine the medicine does not contain chametz/kitniyot, or may permit it due to the seriousness of the condition.
Children's Medicine
It is permissible to grind pills and mix the powder into food items so that a child can take medicine on Pesach. However, a doctor must be consulted to make sure the child is getting the correct dosage and the potency is not compromised by altering its consistency.
Kitniyot in Medicine
Unless an equivalent alternative is available, medicinal items which contain kitniyot are permitted for people who are ill. Questions on this issue should be directed to your rabbi.
Note: These guidelines do not address the more general prohibition of consuming medicines on Shabbat and Yom Tov.