Dear Rabbi Simon
I had to have an emergency dental intervention yesterday as I fractured a tooth badly. I was told to take painkillers (which help a lot) and that the third day will be the worse ie Yom Kippur. Iy”H I will be OK. But what if I’m not? At which point would I be allowed painkillers if I find it terribly painful? I hope I would not get to the point that it’s unbearable without them but just checking in case.
Thanks so much
Shani
Dear Shani,
Taking a pill per se is not a violation of the Torah obligation to fast. Under the circumstances, if you can swallow the tablet without water, you may certainly do so. If you need the pain relief and you cannot achieve it without fluid to swallow the pill, you may swallow 38 ml of water with it. However, you should add a minute amount of vinegar to the water so that its taste is impaired. Measure the 38 ml and test the vinegar amount before Yom Kippur so you do not add too much (or too little).
Hopefully your dental pain will be under control by the time Yom Kippur arrives!
Best wishes for only good things in the New Year.
Rabbi Rashi Simon