Medications Encased in Gelatin Capsules

Many medications are encased in gelatin capsules. May these be used?

Rabbi Belsky, zt”l would differentiate between two types of gelatin capsules;

Hard Capsules	Soft Capsules

Regarding medicines that are encased in hard gelatin capsules (such as capsules that are commonly used for antibiotics), Rav Belsky said that the minhag is to permit them for a choleh (one who is ill). This is based on the concept that a choleh is permitted to consume non-kosher medicines, provided that one does so shelo kiderech achiloso – in an uncommon manner of consumption. Since it is uncommon to eat dried-out, plastic-like gelatin capsules, one who is ill is permitted to swallow them. It should be noted that this leniency applies only if a kosher alternative is not available. Thus, as an example, one should not swallow Tylenol capsules since Tylenol tablets are readily available.

However, Rav Belsky felt that soft gelatin capsules, which are often used for vitamins, fish oils and some over the counter medications, should not be used. Because the gelatin is soft and pliable, Rav Belsky was concerned that swallowing gelatin in this form might not be considered an uncommon manner. Additionally, these soft capsules are often made from pigskin gelatin and are kept soft and pliable with large amounts of glycerin. If one has no other alternative, Rav Belsky recommended wrapping the capsule in tissue paper, which is an unusual manner of consumption.

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.