Jewish Law
Daily Halacha: Can You Take Pain Medicine on Shabbat?
A warm and simple explanation of what Jewish law says about easing pain on the holy day
Is it Allowed to Take Pain Relievers on Shabbat?
According to halacha (Jewish law), someone who is experiencing mild pain should not take medicine on Shabbat. This is because there is a concern that they might come to grind the ingredients of the medicine, which is one of the actions not allowed on Shabbat.
However, there is room to be lenient if the medication is being taken only to relieve pain like common pain relievers such as Acamol (the Israeli version of Tylenol) or Tylenol itself. Also, if a person already began taking these pills before Shabbat and would experience significant suffering if they stopped, it is allowed for them to continue taking the medicine.
(Based on Kitzur Yalkut Yosef)
If Someone Has Tooth Pain, Is it Allowed to Gargle with Arak on Shabbat?
If someone has a toothache, they are allowed to drink arak (a strong alcoholic drink), even if they are using it with the intention of easing the pain. However, they should not hold the liquid in their mouth as a rinse. Instead, they should drink it normally by swallowing it and not spit it out.
(Based on Chazon Ovadia, volume 3, p. 243)
Ach Tov VaChesed – Daily Halacha
