How to Take Medicines During Fasting
By Aswini Medicals · July 18, 2025 · 4 min read
India is a land of fasts — Navratri, Ekadashi, Ramadan, Karva Chauth, Janmashtami and dozens more. For healthy individuals, a day's fast is manageable. But for people on daily medicines for diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid, or epilepsy, fasting without planning can be dangerous.
The Golden Rule: Always Consult Your Doctor Before Fasting
Never independently stop or reschedule critical medicines without medical advice. A quick call to your doctor before your fast day can prevent a medical emergency. Most doctors are happy to adjust timing for religious occasions.
Can You Take Medicine with Water While Fasting?
In virtually all religious traditions, taking medicine with water is permitted and does not break the fast. Islam, Hinduism, Jainism — most religious scholars make an exception for essential medicines. If you are unsure, confirm with your religious authority. Your health comes first.
Medicine-by-Medicine Guide
Blood Pressure Medicines
Most BP medicines (Amlodipine, Telmisartan, Atenolol) are taken once daily and can usually be taken with a glass of water during the fast without issue. Do not skip — missed BP doses can cause dangerous spikes. Consult your doctor if you need to adjust timing.
Diabetes Medicines
This is the most critical area:
- Metformin — must be taken with food; skip the dose if not eating and resume when you break the fast
- Sulphonylureas (Glipizide, Glibenclamide, Glimepiride) — very risky during fasting; can cause severe hypoglycaemia; dose must be adjusted or stopped by your doctor
- Insulin — requires careful dose adjustment; never guess; consult your diabetologist before fasting
- Monitor blood sugar more frequently — check every 2–3 hours during fasting
Break the fast immediately if blood sugar falls below 70 mg/dL.
Thyroid Medicine (Levothyroxine)
Thyroid medicine is ideally taken on an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before food. Fasting actually makes this easier — take it in the morning with water, then continue your fast. Do not skip thyroid medicine on fast days.
Painkillers (NSAIDs)
Ibuprofen and Diclofenac should not be taken on an empty stomach — they cause ulcers and stomach bleeding. If you need a painkiller while fasting, Paracetamol is safer. Ideally take any NSAID after breaking the fast with food.
Epilepsy Medicines
Never skip anti-epileptic medicine — a missed dose can trigger a seizure. Most can be taken with water. Ask your neurologist before fasting.
Warning Signs During a Fast — Break It Immediately
- Dizziness, sweating, trembling (low blood sugar)
- Severe headache or chest pain
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Palpitations or extreme weakness
💡 Aswini Medicals Tip
Planning a multi-day fast like Navratri? Visit us or call before the fast begins. We can review your medicine list and advise on timing adjustments — no appointment needed for a quick medicine consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take medicines while fasting?
Yes — water for medicine is permitted in most religious traditions. Consult your doctor to adjust timing around your fast.
Can diabetics fast safely?
With medical supervision and dose adjustment, yes. Blood sugar must be monitored frequently. Never fast on insulin without doctor's guidance.
What medicines are risky during fasting?
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) on empty stomach, and sulphonylurea diabetes medicines which can cause dangerous low blood sugar.
Planning to fast? Chat with our pharmacist at Aswini Medicals →