Medicines

This list has been compiled by Rabbi A Adler BPharm MRPharms, a practising pharmacist, in consultation with the food technologists of the KLBD.

General points regarding medication for Passover:

1. In general all solid dose tablets and prescribed capsules are in order for Passover use. Those who prefer not to take gelatine capsules are advised to ask their physician if they can prescribe the medication in an alternative form.

2. When taking non-essential medicines, it is preferable to use tablets rather than gelatine capsules.

3. Wherever possible, tablets or capsules should be used rather than liquid or chewable preparations, as these may contain ingredients such as sorbitol and glucose, which could be derived from wheat. In cases of need, the liquid and chewable preparations listed as approved below may be used.

4. All inhalers are permitted.

5. Ointments and creams are permissible, except for those specifying chametz ingredients on the packaging (eg Aveeno cream, based on oats), which should be avoided.

6. Many supplements used to be derived from wheat sources. This is less common now, especially in solid dose preparations. Most do contain Kitniyot however and therefore should only be used in cases of necessity.

Prescribed medication should not be altered without consulting a doctor.

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT MEDICATION FOR CHILDREN
Most liquid medications for children cannot be guaranteed free of chametz derived ingredients. If it is essential for your child to take a liquid preparation, or you think that they may urgently require it during Pesach, we advise that you include the medicine in question with your sale of chametz. Let your Rabbi know, so that he can arrange with the non-Jewish purchaser to allow such use. It may then be taken from the chametz location, used as necessary, and returned.