Is it permissible to consume medicine that contains gelatin if there is no other alternative?

As salaamu ’alaykum,

I am pregnant and using nitrofurantoin for a urinary tract infection (UTI). This medicine contains gelatin. Please guide me as to what I should do?

Many times when doctors prescribe me medicine which contains gelatin, and there is no substitute for them.

 بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما

In reference to your question, it is haram to consume gelatin that is derived from any unlawful animal or animal which has not been slaughtered in accordance to Islamic principles. Plant based or fished based gelatin are permissible to consume. 

However, if a specialist indicates that the medicine is necessary and no halal alternative is available, then there is a concession for consuming medicine that contains impermissible ingredients.

والله اعلم

And Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows best.

Waqas Memon

Approved by Mufti Husain Ahmad Madani