In the time of the Talmud most medicines were derived from herbs, which were prepared by grinding or pulverizing. This involves the melacha of grinding, therefore any form of medication or therapy was Rabbinically forbidden to safeguard the melacha. Even exercise would be included in this as it improves one's fitness.
1) As a rule any form of progressive therapy is forbidden, so any form of corrective or health enhancing therapy is included, eg, ingesting pills, use of ointments  acupuncture etc.
This is even for a healthy person, therefore medications, exercise, vitamins taken to improve one's physical constitution are out.

2) However, vitamins are OK to maintain one's health, eg to prevent a relapse. Preventative therapy is ok as long as it doesn't also strengthen or also improve him. So vitamins not ok if also to improve his general health. 

3) Only minor ailments are included in this prohibition. Severe illnesess etc were never restricted by Rabbinic ordinance. 

4) Also note, if it could be excused as behaviour of a regular person it's ok, eg having a hot tea to sooth a throat is ok, as is taking a walk to ease tension, as people who are fine do these things too.

5) Medications that will only be effective when taken over many days consecutively may be taken. 
Antibiotics are fine to continue with as needed to complete the course.

6) For an illness such as a headache that it's bad enough to confine him to bed, he can then take medicine. 

We shall now look at a number of real life examples and get a feel for how complicated this can be and why to ask a Rabbi in all cases!:


1) Removing a splinter? OK as not healing, but removal of "outside affliction".

2) Talcum powder for perspiring feet?
Ok as only absorbing troublesome moisture.

3) Applying a plaster (bandaid) on shabbos?

Ok (as long as no ointment on it) as it merely covers and protects the wound.

4) Drinking whisky to to calm nerves?

Ok as it could be something a regular person does.

5) Taking a pill when fearful a headache could come on?
Ok as preventative.

6) Sleeping pills?
Ok as fatigue isn't regarded as a medical condition. 
What to do if I want/ need to take medication but it doesn't appear to follow any of the lenient examples?
You can always camouflage it into food eg smeer with peanut butter or crush into a dribk before shabbos, as then it doesn't have appearance of medicine.

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