Can you take medicine during Ramadan? is one of the most researched questions as we welcome the holy month of fasting. and that’s for a very good reason! There is a lot of misinformation out there about fasting, medication, and—not so surprising—both of them together!
Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year, and fasting in it is an act of worship that every Muslim must do—on the condition of them being able to both physically and mentally—which brings us to a critical question that many Muslims want to know the answer to to make sure they observe fasting in Ramadan the best way they can: What if there is something wrong with my health?
Health is something we cannot overlook, jeopardize, or even mess with, the same way as fasting in the holy month of Ramdan, so what really happens if you experience sickness while fasting with an acute, unexpected illness? What about if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, asthma, etc., and you need to take your medicine during the fasting hours? Does this mean you broke your fast? Is this allowed?
A question followed by another pops into many people’s minds, especially sick people, when we only mention medications in Ramadan! So today, we answer all of them based on Islamic rulings and medical advice so you can approach this fasting month as healthy as you can be! Let’s get started!
Fasting in Ramadan and Health: What You Need to Know
Ramadan fasting is the type of fast when Muslims abstain from food and drinks (including water) and sexual activities for a certain period of the day. This typically happens from Dawn ” Fajr” or sunrise to sunset (“Maghrib”). They fast, pray, read the Qur’an, and immerse themselves in Ibadaat “Acts of worship”
While fasting is an act of worship because it’s part of the five pillars of Islam, and it’s a must for every Muslim. Muslims must be aware that fasting in general has physical effects that we should know of. Fasting can have both positive and challenging effects on the body.
For example, a big part of the physical effects of fasting in radama is dehydration. The fact that we stay a long time (can even last up to 17 hours in some regions!) without any source of hydration, such as water) can bring about many undesirable effects.
Moreover, fasting during Ramadan can definitely affect the timing of medications and dosing. Usually people center their medication around meals. whether they take the medication with, before, or after meals, it’s part of the prescribing instruction by doctors!
The thing is, meals are almost fixed for everyone (3 times a day). However, when it comes to Ramadan, this concept differs a little because Ramadan has only two meals: the pre-dawn (Suhoor )and Iftar (post-sunset meal).
So, how can you work around this? We’ve got you covered with the most common questions regarding taking medication during Ramadan and their answers, but first let’s understand a little more about the types of medications and how they affect fasting during Ramadan.
Can you take medicine during Ramadan?
When it comes to fasting and medication, many people have questions about what’s allowed and what’s not. Additionally, not all medications are treated the same. The type of medicine can determine whether it breaks your fast or not.
To make things clear, here are 10 common questions—and their answers—about taking medicine during Ramadan.
1. Can you take oral medications (pills, syrups) during fasting hours?
No, oral medications like pills or syrups typically break the fast because they involve ingestion. Since fasting involves abstaining from anything that enters the person’s body through the mouth, swallowing pills or syrups during fasting is generally not allowed.
If possible, adjust your medication schedule to be taking in the morning at Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) or the evening meal Iftar (sunset meal).
2. What about injections or IVs? Do they break the fast?
Injections, including insulin injections, subcutaneous and IVs generally do not break fast because they are absorbed directly into the blood. They do not enter the digestive system. (1) This makes them a safe option for sick people during Ramadan.
However, if the injections provide nutrition, they are not allowed. In this case, they break fast. Why? because basically you are eating in a different way. However, if you are so ill that you need nutrition injections to keep you going, you might consider breaking your fast with a morning meal.
3. Are inhalers allowed while fasting?
Inhalers are a bit of a gray area. Scholars have different opinions on them. Many permit their use for those with asthma or respiratory conditions, as the medication is minimal and doesn’t reach the stomach. However, it’s best to take an advice from a trusted scholar for guidance.
4. Can I use topical treatments (creams, patches) during fasting hours?
Yes, topical treatments such as creams, ointments, or patches applied to the skin do not break the fast. When you think about it, you will find that they don’t enter your stomach and even if they are absorbed through your skin, they only enter your blood, not the digestive system. Hence they are safe to use! You can also use moisturizing creams without fear of breaking fast!
5. Can I use eye drops or nose drops while fasting?
To answer this question, we have to separate the drops into two categories. The eye drops: these do not break the fast, even if one feels their taste in the throat because the eye is not a part of the digestive system!
Did you also know that it’s totally fine to wear contact lenses as well! The ear drops are also fine. The other category is nose drops and sprays: If you feel the taste of them in your mouth, they break your fast! So, it’s ok to use them in the morning before the fast begins or after you break your fast.
6. Can I use a respirator during the fasting hours of Ramadan?
Using a respirator during the daytime Ramadan doesn`t invalidate fasting because oxygen is a mass-free gas. However, if therapeutic mass-based substances were added to the oxygen, then using it during the daytime of Ramadan breaks the fast of that day.
7. Does using suppositories, injections, and hemorrhoids ointments invalidate fast?
Anus injections, or suppositories administered invalidate fast
8. What if I forget and take medicine during fasting hours?
If you forget and take medicine, your fast is still valid. Although this may seem like it contradicts all of what we said above, eating (including swallowing a pill) or drinking (including water to swallow a medication) accidentally doesn’t break your fast.
“If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully, then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk has been given to him by Allah.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6669)
9. What happens if I vomit during fasting hours?
If you accidentally experience sickness and vomit, your fast is not broken. You don’t have to worry about it because it wasn’t on purpose! But, if you vomit on purpose (by sticking your fingers down your throat or by pressing your stomach), it can break your fast
“If one has a sudden attack of vomiting while one is fasting, no atonement is required of him, but if he vomits intentionally, he must make atonement.”(Sahih (Al-Albani) Sunan Abu Dawud 2380)
10. Does bleeding from the nose/gums during the daytime ofRamadan break the fast?
The blood coming out of the nose during the daytime of a Ramadan day doesn`t invalidate fasting unless it is intentionally swallowed. What about if my gums bleed? If your gums bleed, you must spit out the blooduntil the saliva becomes clean and wash your mouth afterwards. If you swallowed blood unintentionally, there is no worry, your fasting is still valid
In short, the impact of medication on fasting depends on how it’s administered. But what if you really need to take this medication and it is medicine of the type that breaks your fast? What does Islam say on the matter? Keep reading!
What Medications are Allowed During Ramadan?
Typically speaking, the following medications won’t break your fast: Inhalers, Nasal sprays/drops, Mouthwash, oral spray, or gargle, Nitro-glycerine tablets that are placed under the tongue, Injections – except intravenous feeding, Substances absorbed into the skin (e.g., medicated plasters, patches, ointments, and creams) and Ear and eyedrops
Other things that don’t break your fast
- Drawing blood for testing
- Taking out your tooth
- Brushing our teeth using toothpaste
- Using Siwak
- Hijama(cupping)
- Donating blood
- Performing an X-ray without a contrast
Islam’s Ruling of Medicines and fasting in Ramadan
The general rule of fasting is that anything that involves ingestion (goes into the gastrointestinal tract, starting from your mouth to your stomach) breaks the fast! However, the principle of “necessity permits the prohibited” in Islamic jurisprudence plays a key role in the Islamic ruling if taking medications while fasting.
This means that when there’s a genuine need—like taking medication to maintain health—the rules of fasting can be adjusted. Let’s see how!
Islam places a high value on well-being. The principle of “no harm, no harassment” (La darar wa la dirar) reminds us that we should never put ourselves in danger, even for the sake of worship.
“And do not throw yourselves into destruction” (2:195)
This verse makes it clear that taking care of our bodies is a religious duty. This principle is especially relevant during Ramadan. It’s also very obvious in the exemptions Allah SWT has given for those who are ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, traveling, or facing any condition that makes fasting harmful. Let’s dig deeper!
Acute Illnesses and Fasting
What if you are completely fine, and then you get a sudden fever, vomiting, or severe pain for whatever reason, and now you have to take some pill to be better? The good news is, you can break your fast. Did you know that it is encouraged and preferred “Mustahabb” to break your fast if it will harm your health?
“Indeed, Allah loves that His concessions be taken, just as He hates for His prohibitions to be violated.”
Remember, fasting is a must when you’re physically and mentally capable of doing it. This means if you’re unwell, you’re not required to fast.
“And whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of days (are to be made up) later” (2:185).
One may ask, but what about those days that I didn’t fast because I was sick? Islam is a religion of ease. Allah SWT gave us the option to make up for them.
How? You can make up the missed fast days by fasting the same number of days in any other month of the year before the following Ramadan. What if I can’t even make it up for those days because of a chronic health condition? Keep reading to find out!
Chronic Conditions and Fasting
Millions of people live with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease. When it comes to fasting during Ramadan, they must approach it carefully. Why? Because diabetic patients may face risks of very low blood sugar during the day or high blood sugar levels after Iftar with all the meals and dessert!
That’s why it’s important to adjust the doses of Diabetes medications during Ramadan. This may include switching from a multiple doses medicine to a long-acting formula. Another example is patients with hypertension or kidney disease. They need to monitor their blood pressure, fluid intake, and medicine schedules closely.
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (2:286).
For these reasons, anyone who must take medicine regularly should be assessed by a healthcare professional before fasting in Ramadan. It’s better to know whether it’s safe or not to fast! For Example, those with terminal illnesses such as progressive cancer are exempt from fasting and may need to consult their doctor for advice during the fasting period.
A doctor can help adjust medication timings and doses and give you advice on how to monitor your condition while fasting. This doesn’t mean fasting is off the table for everyone with a chronic condition. Many people with well-managed health issues can fast safely with proper planning and advice. For example, most Muslim patients with type 2 diabetes and a significant number of those with type 1 diabetes still choose to fast.
For those who are unable to make up the fasts such as the elderly or those who are chronically ill, there is another option to honor Ramadan through paying Fidyah (charity).
Conclusion
Fasting during Ramadan is a sacred act of worship, but it’s not meant to jeopardize your well-being. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or dealing with an unexpected illness, Islam has clear solutions. Whether it’s adjusting medication schedules, making up missed fasts later with a same number of days, or paying Fidyah, there are ways to honor the spirit of Ramadan without compromising your well-being.
If you’re still wondering, “Can you take medicine during Ramadan?” consult your doctor and take advice from a trusted scholar. Ramadan is a gift, and taking care of your health is part of its blessings. Stay safe and Ramadan Kareem!
Check out other Ramadan-related articles on Studioarabyia for more tips and insights.
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