The Kashrus Of Medications

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The Kashrus Of Medications

Ideally, one should only purchase and consume over-the-counter medications that are certified kosher. Liquid medications such as cough syrups are of particular kashrus concern as they invariably contain glycerine, an ingredient that may be derived from non-kosher oils. Liquid medications, lozenges and chewable tablets also contain various flavorings, which may be derived from non-kosher sources. Chewable tablets contain binders which may also be cause for concern. A limited line of kosher certified medications is currently available under the Adwe, Kosher Care and Naldacon labels. We strongly recommend the purchase of these products. However, it is most unfortunate that relatively few certified kosher medications are currently available.

What is one to do when no appropriate kosher certified medicine is available?

Certainly, a person suffering from a potentially life threatening illness, Choleh Sheyesh Bo Sakana, is not only permitted but obligated to take prescribed medications which are non-kosher when comparable kosher medications are not available. With the exception of the three cardinal sins, one must transgress any prohibitions which stand in the way of saving a Jewish life (Pesachim).

One who suffers from an illness or condition which is non life threatening yet renders him bedridden or noticeably weak and impaired, Choleh Kol Haguf, may take tablets that are swallowed whole, capsules, or powdered medications which may be derived in part from non-kosher sources as these forms of medications are considered to be unfit for normal human consumption. This heter may even be relied upon on Pesach when there is concern that the required tablets, capsules or powder may contain chometz. A healthy individual should not take vitamins that are not kosher certified. Vitamins require special certification for Pesach.

What about liquid medications? Is there any heter to take a non-certified preparation when no kosher certified product is available?

Rabbi Dovid Heber of the Star-K offers the following approach. One teaspoon of medication may be mixed into 2 ounces of any beverage, 1:12 ratio. The potentially non-kosher glycerine will then be Botel B'shishim - nullified in a 1:60 ratio (Umutur L'botel Sofek Esur Lchatchila). However, this heter may not be relied upon to permit potentially chometz medications on Pesach. Such medications must not remain under Jewish ownership and may certainly not be consumed, except in cases of Choleh Sheyesh Bo Sakana as described above.

It should be noted that numerous lists of acceptable Pesach medications have been circulated. In light of the fact that these lists are based solely upon assertions made by the drug manufacturers that cannot be individually verified, it would seem that these lists are of questionable value. Though Igros Moshe Y.D. vol. 1 #55 permits relying upon the testimony of companies, it is clear that three of the four (if not all four) stated bases for his leniency not apply in this case.

The preceeding is intended as a basic outline of the halachos pertaining to medications. Your own Rav should be consulted when a question of halacha lamaysa may arise.

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