Many people worry about taking medications while they are fasting, fearing they might break the fast. However, not all types of medication will break the fast.

According to both Islamic and medical perspectives, some medications are considered permissible during fasting, as they do not enter the digestive tract or provide nutritional effects to the body. What are these medications?

Medications That Do Not Break the Fast

During Ramadan, there are several medications you can take without breaking your fast. Here are some examples of medications that are allowed:

Medications Given by Injection

Injections that are administered through the muscle (intramuscular), blood vessels (intravenous), or under the skin (subcutaneous) generally do not break the fast, as long as they are not intended to provide nutrition or replace food and drink.

Examples of injections that do not break the fast include vaccines, injectable antibiotics, insulin, and injections used to relieve inflammation or pain (analgesics).

However, infusions or injections designed to provide nutrition should be avoided, as they function similarly to food and drink and would break the fast.

Topical Medications

Topical medications, such as ointments, creams, and transdermal patches, do not break the fast. These medications act locally on the skin and do not enter the digestive system, making them safe to use while fasting.

Examples of topical medications include antibiotic ointments, antifungal creams, and analgesic patches.

Nasal Drops or Nasal Sprays

Nasal drops or sprays can be used during fasting, provided the medicine is not swallowed and does not have any nutritional effects. These are commonly used to treat allergies, sinusitis, or nasal congestion.

Inhalers for Asthma

Asthma inhalers, which are used to relieve shortness of breath during asthma attacks, do not break the fast. Even though inhalers deliver medication into the respiratory tract, they do not reach the digestive system in the same way food or drink does.

Medicines Inserted Through the Anus (Suppositories)

Suppositories, such as those used for hemorrhoids or fever, do not break the fast. Since these medications do not enter the digestive system, they are safe to use during fasting.

Medicines Inserted Through the Vagina

Similar to suppositories used in the anus, medications inserted through the vagina (such as creams, suppositories, or tablets) do not break the fast. These medications act locally and do not interfere with the digestive system.

While these medications do not break the fast, it is important to consider potential side effects. If you are undergoing treatment and wish to continue fasting, it is advisable to consult with a doctor. They can provide guidance based on your specific condition.

You can also use the health consultation feature in the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!