Ruling on taking medications containing narcotic or alcoholic substances

Q: In our hospital, as well as in all hospitals, there are certain medications used to treat pain after surgeries and to treat various pains. These medications contain narcotic and alcoholic substances in varying proportions. Is there any harm in using them? If there is a religious prohibition against using them, is there any positive step to take to review them and present them to the responsible authorities to stop their circulation?

A: Medications that provide relief to the patient and alleviate his pain are permissible and there is no harm in them, whether before or after surgery, unless it is known that they are of a substance that intoxicates in large quantities, in which case they should not be used; based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): . However, if they do not intoxicate, and their large quantity does not intoxicate, but they provide some relief and sedation to alleviate pain, then there is no harm in that.