MEDICINE AND COSMETICS
MEDICINE GUIDELINES The cRc’s general guidelines on medicines, cosmetics and toiletries can be found on page 3 of this guide. The following is a summary of the medicine ANTIBIOTICS portion of those guidelines: The cRc recommends all medicinal All pill medication – with or without chametz – that one swallows is permitted. items in pill form, which includes most [Candy-coated pills are an exception to this rule, but they are quite uncommon.] of the antibiotics that adults take. The same does not apply when dealing with Rav Schwartz, zt”l, has ruled that generally vitamins do not qualify as liquid or chewable medicines, which medications and are instead treated as food supplements which require are considered “edible”. Since there is a hashgachah for Pesach. If a doctor prescribes a specific vitamin which does not chance that they contain chametz, they have Pesach supervision, please review your specific situation with your doctor should only be used if they are known and Rabbi. to be free of any concerns. Liquid and chewable medications that may contain chametz should only be However, antibiotics are an exception used under the direction of a doctor and Rabbi, who will judge the severity that rule. Generally, antibiotics are of the illness, the likelihood that the medicine contains chametz, and the given to treat ailments which, if left possibility of substituting a swallowable pill. Important: Do not discontinue untreated, can lead to a situation of use of liquid, chewable, or any other medicine without consulting with your sakanah (danger to life). Therefore, one doctor and Rabbi. may consume antibiotics regardless of Liquid and chewable medications that contain kitnios may be consumed by the ingredients used in creating them. someone who is ill. For laws of taking medicine on Shabbos and Yom Tov, please consult your Rabbi.
MEDICINE AND TOILETRY DETAILS Items marked “Possible Chametz” contain edible ingredients consumers should consult with their Rabbi. whose chametz-status we were unable to determine; these For an expanded and updated list of products, search items may be permitted for someone who is seriously ill, and www.ASKcRc.org or our smartphone apps.
78 www.ASKcRc.org / www.cRcweb.org cRc Pesach Guide Pesach Information ALLERGY Pepto Bismol 5 Symptom Relief Cherry (Liquid) ...... Possible Chametz Allegra Children’s Liquid Suspension (Liquid) ...... Possible Chametz Pepto Bismol 5 Symptom Relief (Chewable) ...... Possible Chametz Allegra Children’s Orally Disintegrating Tablet ...... Possible Chametz (dairy) Pepto Bismol Children’s Pepto Bubble Gum Flavor (Chewable Tablets) Claritin Children’s Chewable Grape Flavor ...... Possible Chametz ...... Possible Chametz Pepto Bismol Ultra (Liquid) Zyrtec Children’s Allergy Indoor & Outdoor Allergies (Liquid)...... Possible Chametz ��������������������������������������������������������������������� Possible Chametz Prilosec OTC Wildberry Flavor (Non-Chewable) (Tablet) Zyrtec Children’s Dissolve Tabs (Tablets) ...... Recommended ...... Possible Chametz Tums Regular - Assorted Fruit, Sugar Free and Peppermint (Chewable) ANTACID / DIGESTION / GAS ...... Possible Chametz Align Capsules ...... Recommended TUMS Alka Seltzer Alka-Seltzer Xtra Strength (Effervescent Tablets) ��������������������������������������������������������������������� Possible Chametz There is a difference of opinion regarding the usage of Tums on Pesach, revolving around the question of Alka Seltzer Original Effervescent Tabs (Tablets) whether one is permitted to consume products on Pesach ...... Possible Chametz which contain flavors of unknown kosher - and kosher for Culturelle Kids (Chewable) Pesach - status. Some Rabbis take a lenient position due ...... Possible Chametz to the fact that most of the flavor-contributing chemicals are not chametz, no single chemical’s taste is perceived in Gas-X Extra Strength Cherry Crème (Chewable Tablet) the final product (i.e., zeh v’zeh gorem), and the flavor is ...... Possible Chametz used in tiny proportions. Other Rabbis disagree based on halachic and factual grounds which are beyond the scope Gaviscon Extra Strength Cherry (Chewables) of this document. The cRc follows the latter, stricter ...... Possible Chametz approach to this question. Gaviscon Extra Strength Original (Chewable) The Rabbi who certifies Tums as kosher reported that he ...... Possible Chametz was unable to determine whether the flavorings used in Imodium AD For Ages 6 & Up (Liquid) Tums are acceptable for Pesach, and therefore the cRc is . . Not Recommended (except in cases of severe diarrhea) unable to recommend them. Others who list certain Tums products as acceptable for Pesach are aware of this but Imodium AD Liquid accept the lenient approach outlined above, which rules . . Not Recommended (except in cases of severe diarrhea) that flavors of unknown status do not compromise the Imodium AD Multi-symptom Relief (Caplets) Pesach status of the Tums. It is noteworthy that there is ...... Recommended corn starch in every variety of Tums which we looked at, which means that even according to the lenient approach Kaopectate Vanilla Regular Flavor (Liquid) Tums should only be consumed by those who are either ...... Possible Chametz Sephardic or ill and permitted to eat kitnios. Mylicon Infants Original Drops (Liquid) ...... Possible Chametz BLUSH Pepcid Complete Berry Flavor (Chewables) All are recommended ...... Possible Chametz (dairy) Pepcid Complete Cool Mint (Chewables) BODY SOAP ...... Possible Chametz (dairy) All are recommended Pepto Bismol 5 Symptom Relief (Caplets) ...... Recommended
cRc Pesach Guide Pesach Information www.ASKcRc.org / www.cRcweb.org 79 COLOGNE DEODORANT Only recommended if free of (denatured) alcohol or if Gel...... All are recommended manufactured in the United States Liquid...... Recommended if free of (denatured) alcohol or if manufactured in the United States COUGH, COLD & FLU Spray...... Recommended if free of (denatured) alcohol Alka Seltzer Alka Seltzer Plus Cold Effervescent Tabs or if manufactured in the United States (Tablets) ...... Possible Chametz FIBER SUPPLEMENTS Alka Seltzer Alka Seltzer Plus Severe Cold & Flu Formula See Laxatives (Effervescent Tablets)...... Possible Chametz Delsym 12 Hour Cough Relief (Orange Flavor) (Liquid) ...... Possible Chametz FEVER REDUCER / PAIN RELIEF CVS Adult Pain Reliever (Acetaminophen) [NOT dye free] Delsym Children’s 12 Hour Cough (Grape Flavor) (Liquid) ...... Possible Chametz ...... Possible Chametz Check with doctor for children’s dosage Delsym Children’s 12 Hour Cough (Orange Flavor) (Liquid) Midol Complete (Caplets) ...... Possible Chametz ...... Recommended Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup (Liquid) Tylenol Children’s Chewable Bubble Gum Flavor (Tablet) ...... Possible Chametz ...... Recommended Mucinex Cough Mini-Melts for Kids Orange Creme Flavor Tylenol Children’s Chewables (Grape Flavor) (Dissolving Granules) ...... Possible Chametz ...... Possible Chametz Theraflu Multi-Symptom Severe Cold (Packets) Tylenol Children’s Dissolve Packs (Powder) ...... Possible Chametz ...... Possible Chametz Thera-Flu Nighttime Severe Cold and Cough (Powder) Walgreens Adult Pain Reliever (Acetaminophen) ...... Possible Chametz [NOT dye free] (Liquid)...... Possible Chametz Triaminic Children’s Night Time Cold and Cough Check with doctor for children’s dosage (Grape flavor) (Liquid)...... Not Recommended Walgreens Junior Strength Ibuprofen 100 Chewable Tablets Triaminic Day Time Cold and Cough Cherry Flavor (Liquid) (Orange or Grape flavor) ...... Recommended ...... Not Recommended Vicks Nyquil Cough (Liquid) FEVER FOR A CHILD ...... Possible Chametz Each year, the cRc researches different fever-reducers and Vicks Nyquil Liquid Cold and Flu (Liquid) pain relievers to see which are suitable for use on Pesach...... Possible Chametz Some of the results are ready in time for inclusion in the printed cRc Pesach Guide, and some others can only be Zarbee’s Children’s Nighttime Cough Syrup Grape Flavor found in the cRc app, or at www.ASKcRc.org. (Liquid) ...... Possible Chametz You may notice that our recommendation for many of Zarbee’s Naturals Children’s Cough Syrup (Liquid) these items is that they are “possible Chametz”, which ...... Possible Chametz means that they contain ingredients which are sensitive for Pesach but likely do not pose a Pesach concern. You Zicam Cold Remedy RapidMelts (Cherry flavor) (Tablets) might want to consult with your Rabbi before Pesach so ...... Possible Chametz that he can direct you as to when it is appropriate to give Zicam Rapidmelts Ultra (Orange Cream Flavor) (Tablet) “possible Chametz” to a sick child (or adult)...... Possible Chametz
GAS CREAMS See Antacid/Digestion/Gas All are recommended
80 www.ASKcRc.org / www.cRcweb.org cRc Pesach Guide Pesach Information HAIRSPRAY AND MOUSSE Senokot Tablets ...... Recommended Recommended if free of (denatured) alcohol or if manufactured in the United States Senokot-S Tablets ...... Recommended INDIGESTION Walgreens Mineral Oil (Liquid) See Antacid/Digestion/Gas ...... Recommended
LAXATIVES / FIBER SUPPLEMENTS LIPSTICK Benefiber Powder If your lipstick is not listed here, you can use our search ...... Chametz (Not Recommended) feature at www.crckosher.org/lipstick. Benefiber Stick Packs (unflavored) (Powder) BOBBI BROWN ...... Chametz (Not Recommended) Crushed Lip Color Citrucel Caplets ...... Recommended ...... Recommended Crushed Liquid Lip Dulcolax Overnight Relief (Tablets) ...... Recommended ...... Recommended Lip Color Dulcolax Suppository ...... Recommended ...... Recommended Luxe Liquid Lip Velvet Matte Epsom Salt (pure) Generic or Branded versions (Powder) ...... Recommended ...... Recommended Luxe Matte Lip Color Ex-Lax Tablets ...... Recommended ...... Recommended Luxe Shine Intense Lipstick Fibercon Caplets ...... Recommended ...... Recommended
Generic Mineral Oil (pure) (Liquid) CHANEL ...... Recommended Rouge Allure Metamucil Sugar Free Orange (Powder) ...... Recommended ...... Possible Chametz Rouge Allure Velvet Miralax Powder ...... Recommended ...... Recommended Rouge Allure Velvet Extrême Pedia-Lax Chewable (Tablets) ...... Recommended ...... Possible Chametz Rouge Coco Pedia-Lax Liquid Stool Softener Berry Flavor (Liquid) ...... Recommended ...... Possible Chametz Rouge Coco Flash Pedia-Lax Suppository ...... Recommended ...... Recommended Phillips Milk of Magnesia Caplets CLINIQUE ...... Recommended Almost Lipstick Phillips Milk of Magnesia Original Liquid (unflavored) ...... Recommended ...... Recommended Dramatically Different Lipstick Shaping Lip Colour Polyethylene Glycol (pure) Generic or Branded versions ...... Recommended (Powder)...... Recommended Pop Glaze Sheer Lip Colour + Primer Prunelax Ciruelax Tablets ...... Not Recommended ...... Recommended
cRc Pesach Guide Pesach Information www.ASKcRc.org / www.cRcweb.org 81 LIPSTICK continued
CLINIQUE, continued L’absolu Rouge Intimatte ...... Recommended Pop Lip Colour + Primer ...... Not Recommended MAYBELLINE Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer ...... Recommended Color Sensational The Mattes, Matte Finish Lipstick ...... Recommended
DIOR Superstay 24 2-Step Liquid Lipstick ...... Recommended Dior Addict Lacquer Stick ...... Recommended Superstay Ink Crayon Lipstick, Matte Longwear Lipstick ...... Recommended Dior Addict Stellar Shine ...... Recommended Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick ...... Recommended Rouge Dior ...... Recommended REVLON Rouge Dior Ultra Care Liquid ...... Recommended Colorstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick ...... Recommended Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge ...... Recommended Super Lustrous Lipstick ...... Recommended
ESTEE LAUDER Ultra Hd Matte Lip Color ...... Recommended Pure Color Envy Hi-Lustre Light Sculpting Lipstick ...... Not Recommended URBAN DECAY Pure Color Envy Matte Sculpting Lipstick ...... Not Recommended Vice Lipstick 1993 Cream ...... Recommended Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick ...... Not Recommended Vice Lipstick 1993 Cream Comfort Matte ...... Recommended
L’OREAL Vice Lipstick 1993 Cream Mega Matte ...... Recommended Colour Riche Matte Lipstick ...... Recommended Vice Lipstick Accident (Metallized) ...... Recommended Colour Riche Plump And Shine Lip Color ...... Possible Chametz Vice Lipstick Brat (Sheer) ...... Recommended Colour Riche Satin Lipstick ...... Recommended Vice Lipstick Native (Cream) ...... Recommended Colour Riche Shine Lipstick ...... Recommended Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick LOTIONS ...... Recommended All are recommended
LANCOME MASCARA Color Design All are recommended ...... Recommended L’absolu Rouge Drama Matte Lipstick ...... Recommended L’absolu Rouge Hydrating Lipstick ...... Recommended
82 www.ASKcRc.org / www.cRcweb.org cRc Pesach Guide Pesach Information MISCELLANEOUS Listerine PocketPaks Assorted varieties (Dissolving strip) ...... Not Recommended Adwe - Mouthwash (assorted varieties) ...... Recommended NoDoz Alertness Aid (Pill) ...... Recommended Anbesol Maximum Strength (Liquid) ...... Possible Chametz Orajel Mouth Sores Triple Medicated (Gel) ...... Recommended Asthma Inhalers, all types (Liquid Vapor) ...... Recommended Pedialyte Liters and Singles (Liquid) ...... Recommended Bayer Low Dose Baby Aspirin (Cherry and Orange) (Chewable)...... Possible Chametz Polident 3 Minute (Tablet) ...... Possible Chametz Bonine Complete Raspberry Flavored (Chewable) ...... Possible Chametz (dairy) Polident Overnight Whitening (Tablet) ...... Possible Chametz Chapstick Classic Original ...... Recommended Polygrip Free (Cream) ...... Recommended Chapstick Moisturizer ...... Recommended Polygrip Original (Cream) ...... Recommended CONTACT LENS SOLUTION Probiotics Assorted (Assorted) We reviewed the ingredients used in several popular .Powders, liquids & gelcaps need certification; pills do not brands of contact lens solution and did not see anything Unisom Sleepmelts (Meltaway) which was sensitive for Pesach. However, we did not ...... Possible Chametz review every product, so to check your solution, please send a copy of the ingredient panel to [email protected] Unisom SleepTab (Tablet) so one of our Rabbis can evaluate your specific product...... Recommended Vicks ZzzQuil Liquid (Warming Vanilla Cherry and Culturelle Digestive Health Women’s Health Balance Warming Berry) ...... Possible Chametz (Capsule)...... Recommended Vivarin (Tablet) Dramamine (Chewable) ...... Recommended ...... Possible Chametz Ensure Assorted Nutritional Supplements MOUSSE ...... See Nutritional Supplement Pages see Hairspray and Mousse Femcon Fe (brown and white pills) (Chewable tablet) ...... Possible Chametz (dairy) MOUTHWASH Fixodent Extra Hold (Powder) Only recommended if known to be chametz-free ...... Recommended Fixodent Original (Cream) NAIL POLISH ...... Recommended All are recommended Floss, Flavored ...... Possible Chametz OINTMENTS Floss, Unflavored All are recommended ...... Recommended Kanka Mouth-pain (Liquid) PERFUME ...... Possible Chametz Recommended if free of (denatured) alcohol or if Lip Balm, Assorted manufactured in the United States ...... Recommended (preferably without flavor)
cRc Pesach Guide Pesach Information www.ASKcRc.org / www.cRcweb.org 83 SHAMPOO TOOTHPASTE All are recommended There are those who take the position that toothpaste is considered inedible, since any food that tasted like toothpaste would never be served as a meal-item. This SHAVING CREAM is the justification for why many Rabbis permit the use of Cream...... All are recommended any toothpaste (year-round) despite the possibility that Gels...... All are recommended the glycerin contained in the toothpaste is made from non-kosher animal fat. Others argue that toothpaste is Liquid...... Recommended if free of (denatured) alcohol halachically considered edible, and they are supported or if manufactured in the United States by the fact that people put toothpaste into their mouths Lotion...... All are recommended every day (and that young children don’t mind eating it). Some follow that position all year-round and will only use a toothpaste that is certified as kosher (or free of glycerin). TOOTHPASTE The cRc accepts the lenient approach as relates to year- Only recommended if known to be chametz-free round use but recommends that one be machmir for the strict opinion as relates to Pesach. Therefore, for Pesach we recommend that one only use a toothpaste that is VITAMINS known to be chametz-free. See Medicine Guidelines above What ingredients in toothpaste might be chametz? Just about every variety of toothpaste contains sorbitol, which WIPES is created by “hydrogenating” glucose. Glucose can be Recommended if free of (denatured) alcohol or if derived from chametz, kitnios, or completely innocuous manufactured in the United States ingredients, and [although most glucose and sorbitol in the United States is not made from chametz] we cannot recommend toothpaste unless we know what the glucose is made from. Toothpastes also commonly contain other minor ingredients which raise chametz concerns.
AN IMPORTANT REQUEST FROM THE cRc The cRc investigates the kosher status of medicinal items for Pesach and year-round. (See our website at http://bit.ly/OTCList, by searching at www.ASKcRc.org, or our app.) If you have a question about something not listed there, feel free to take a picture of all sides of the package, making sure to include the active and inactive ingredients, and send it to [email protected], so someone can help you. In addition to proving a wealth of kashrus information on our websites and apps, the cRc is happy to answer questions submitted by members of the community. Often, these questions require time and effort to research and ensure that we are providing accurate and up-to-date information; serving the public is our mission and we are happy to make that effort. Occasionally, someone eager for an answer will direct the same question to several members of our Kashrus team, not realizing that all of them may end up spending time researching the very same question, which reduces the number of questions from the public that we field during that time. Therefore, we ask that questions be submitted only to [email protected] OR to only one member of our Kashrus team. Thank you for being considerate with our time and resources and helping us to better serve the community.
84 www.ASKcRc.org / www.cRcweb.org cRc Pesach Guide Pesach Information