NAIROBI, Kenya- The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya has warned the public against using cetirizine tablets for purported vaginal tightening, saying the allergy medicine is intended to be swallowed and has not been approved or tested for vaginal use.
In a public statement issued on Wednesday, the professional body said it had noted social-media discussions promoting the insertion of cetirizine tablets into the vagina, a practice it described as unsafe and medically inappropriate.
Cetirizine is a commonly used antihistamine that works by blocking histamine, a substance released by the body during allergic reactions.
It is used to manage symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, itching and hives.
The society said the medicine should only be taken as directed on its label or by a qualified medical practitioner or pharmacist.
Dryness does not mean tightness
The warning follows viral claims suggesting that the medicine can be used to cause dryness and produce a tightening effect.
However, the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya said the idea is medically inaccurate.
While antihistamines can cause dryness as a side effect, it said reduced lubrication does not strengthen vaginal muscles or alter vaginal anatomy.
Instead, it warned, dryness can increase friction, cause discomfort and raise the risk of tissue injury.
“Cetirizine is an allergy medicine, taken by mouth,” the society said, stressing that its ingredients have not been tested on delicate vaginal tissue.
The body also cautioned against the assumption that commonly available medicines are harmless for every purpose.
It said easy access to a product does not make it safe when used outside its approved or clinically appropriate purpose.
Public urged to seek medical help if symptoms occur
People who may already have used cetirizine in this manner have been advised to stop and seek medical attention if they experience pain, bleeding, burning, itching, unusual discharge or fever.
The society said patients should be treated with dignity and without judgment when seeking help.
It also urged the public not to rely on social media for medical advice, especially where medicine use is concerned.
“Medicines should be used in the right way, for the right purpose, and with the right professional guidance,” the statement said.
The society asked the public to consult a pharmacist before using any medicine for a purpose for which it was not made.
Concerns over demand, prices and shortages
Beyond the health risks, PSK said it had received reports of increased demand, price increases and stock shortages of cetirizine in some outlets.
It appealed to pharmacies to maintain ethical pricing and ensure that patients who genuinely need cetirizine for allergies are not denied access to the medicine because of a viral trend.
Members of the public have been advised to buy medicines only from premises licensed by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, where a registered pharmacist is available.
The PPB maintains public registers for licensed pharmaceutical outlets and registered practitioners, allowing consumers to verify whether a pharmacy or health-product provider is authorised.
Call to media, pharmacists and regulators
PSK also called on media organisations and content creators to exercise caution when sharing information about medicines and health interventions.
It said health content should be evidence-based and communicated in a way that protects, rather than endangers, the public.
Pharmacists were urged not to promote or knowingly dispense medicines for misuse, and to report suspected adverse reactions through PPB pharmacovigilance channels.
The society said it would continue working with the PPB, the Ministry of Health and other healthcare professionals to strengthen medicine safety and protect Kenyans from harmful practices.
The warning places renewed focus on the risks of health misinformation online, where unverified claims can quickly drive unsafe use of ordinary medicines and disrupt access for patients who depend on them for legitimate treatment.
