My doctor prescribed capsules for dizziness. The capsules contain lactose which is dairy. What should I do?

 

If the dairy (lactose) is in the actual capsule itself, you can remove the capsule and take the powder or pill on its own. Alternatively, you can get a kosher capsule to put the powder inside. Of course, you should ascertain that it is safe to do so.

Strictly speaking, one may, however, swallow such capsules, where there is a medical need.

If the medicine is bitter, one may eat it together with meat. If however, it is not bitter one should not eat or swallow it together with meat. There is room to be lenient and eat the medicine after an hour of eating meat.

 

Sources:

ראה שו״ת שבה״ל ז, קיח. קובץ תשובות א, עג. וראה ועלהו לתרופה ד,  ט-י. וש״נ. ובכללות הענין דבליעת תרופות – ראה הנסמן בשאלה 1785.

שעה – כבמקום חולי, ראה פת״ש פט, ב. ועוד. וראה שו״ת תורת שלום יו”ד סי’ ה.

 

 

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