Consuming medication that contains alcohol

Question:

I have a medication which is used for pains and flu etc., it is used to inhale for blocked nose etc., it has alcohol in it. Can we use it or not?

Answer:

If the alcohol is made from ingredients other than grapes or dates and the medication does not intoxicate a person then it will be permissible to consume such medication. However if the alcohol is made from grapes or dates it may be consumed only on the following conditions:

– Prescribed by a pious Muslim doctor.

– No alternative medication available.

– The condition will worsen if such medication is not consumed/used.

– Must be taken for medicinal purposes. 

And Allah Knows Best

Mufti MD Mangera                                          Mufti E. Salejee

Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Fatwa Department