Medicine & Medical Questions During Ramadan

1. Can I take oral medication (pills, capsules, or liquid medicine) while fasting?

No. Swallowing pills, capsules, or liquid medicine that goes down your throat breaks the fast. You must take them after Iftar (at night) or before Suhoor (pre-dawn).

2. Can I take injections while fasting?

It depends.

• Nutritional/IV drips that provide food or energy: Break the fast (according to most scholars).
• Non-nutritional injections (like insulin, vaccines, or antibiotics that do not provide nourishment): Most scholars say they do not break the fast because they do not enter the stomach through the mouth/throat. However, opinions vary, so consult a trusted scholar.

3. Can I receive an IV drip (intravenous fluids) while fasting?

Yes, it breaks the fast. IV fluids directly enter the bloodstream and provide hydration and nourishment, which is considered breaking the fast. If you need an IV for medical reasons, the fast is invalid for that day, and you must make it up later (Qada).

4. Can I use an inhaler for asthma or breathing difficulties while fasting?

Opinions differ.

• Some scholars say it breaks the fast because the medication reaches the throat and stomach.
• Others say it is allowed because it is necessary for breathing and does not provide nutrition.
  Best advice: If you have severe asthma and cannot manage without it, consult a scholar. Many allow it for genuine medical needs, but you must make up the day later.

5. Can I use eye drops or ear drops while fasting?

Yes, according to most scholars. These do not enter the stomach through the throat. They are applied locally and do not nourish the body. They do not break the fast.

6. Can I use nose drops or nasal sprays while fasting?

This is debated. Many scholars say that if the drops or spray reach the throat and you swallow them, it breaks the fast. To be safe, avoid them during the day if possible. If medically necessary, consult a scholar.

7. Can I apply creams, ointments, or lotions to my skin while fasting?

Yes. These are absorbed through the skin and do not enter the stomach. They do not break the fast.

8. Can I have a blood test or donate blood while fasting?

• Blood test (taking a small sample): Most scholars say it is allowed and does not break the fast, but if you feel weak, it is better to do it at night.
• Donating blood (large amount): Most scholars say it does break the fast because it weakens the body significantly, similar to cupping (which the Prophet forbade while fasting).

9. Can I have dental work or a filling done while fasting?

Yes, but with caution. You can visit the dentist, but you must be extremely careful not to swallow any water, blood, or dental materials. If anything goes down your throat, the fast is broken. It is better to schedule dental appointments at night.

10. Can I rinse my mouth with mouthwash or use toothpaste while fasting?

Yes, but very carefully. You must ensure nothing is swallowed. It is better to use a miswak (traditional toothstick) without toothpaste to avoid accidental swallowing.

11. Does vomiting break the fast?

• Accidental vomiting (you could not control it): Does not break the fast.
• Intentional vomiting (you made yourself sick): Breaks the fast, and you must make up that day later (Qada).

12. Can I have a COVID-19 or flu vaccine while fasting?

Yes, according to most scholars. Vaccines are given as injections, do not provide nutrition, and do not enter the stomach. They do not break the fast. However, if you experience severe side effects and cannot complete the fast, you may break it and make it up later.

13. Can I undergo surgery while fasting?

If the surgery is non-emergency, it is better to postpone it until after Ramadan. If it is emergency surgery, you may break your fast and make it up later. Any anesthesia or fluids given during surgery will break the fast.

14. Can I fast if I have diabetes?

It depends.

• Type 1 diabetes (severe, insulin-dependent): Generally not advised to fast. Consult your doctor and a scholar.
• Type 2 diabetes (well-controlled with diet or medication): You may fast, but you must monitor your blood sugar carefully and consult your doctor.
  If fasting puts your health at serious risk, Islam permits you to skip the fast and pay Fidyah (feed the poor) instead.

15. Can I fast if I have high blood pressure or heart disease?

Consult your doctor. If your condition is stable and you can manage with night-time medication, you may be able to fast. If your doctor advises against it because of risk, you are excused and must make up the days later or pay Fidyah.

16. Can I take painkillers (like paracetamol/ibuprofen) while fasting?

No. Swallowing painkillers breaks the fast. Take them at night after Iftar or before Suhoor.

17. Can I use a suppository (medication inserted into the rectum or vagina) while fasting?

Opinions differ.

• Some scholars say it breaks the fast because it enters the body cavity.
• Others say it does not, as it is not food or drink.
  Best advice: Consult a scholar. Many contemporary scholars consider it to break the fast.

18. What if I have a chronic illness and cannot fast at all?

You are completely excused from fasting. You do not need to make up the days later (Qada). Instead, you must pay Fidyah – feeding one poor person a full meal for every single day you miss.

19. What if I get a sudden illness during the day and break my fast?

If you become severely ill during the day and fear that continuing to fast will harm you, you may break your fast. You must make up that day later (Qada) when you recover.

20. Can I fast if I am pregnant or breastfeeding and taking medication?

If you are taking essential medication and fasting could harm you or your baby, you are allowed to skip the fast. You must make up for the missed days later (Qada) after pregnancy/breastfeeding, unless a doctor says you cannot ever fast, in which case you pay Fidyah.