KENYA WARNS WOMEN AGAINST VAGINAL USE OF ALLERGY TABLETS
By Southerton Business Times | Harare
Kenya's Pharmaceutical Society has warned women against inserting allergy medication into their vaginas in an attempt to achieve tightness, following the spread of potentially dangerous health advice on social media.
The warning follows the circulation of TikTok posts claiming that cetirizine, a commonly used allergy medicine, can reduce vaginal moisture and create a sensation of tightness during sexual intercourse. The claims have triggered widespread debate online, with some users promoting the practice while others have questioned its safety.
Reports have also emerged of increased demand for cetirizine, rising prices and shortages at some pharmacies, particularly in Nairobi. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) said cetirizine is an oral antihistamine designed to treat allergic reactions and is not approved for vaginal use.
“Cetirizine is an allergy medicine, taken by mouth. It is not approved or tested for any other purpose, and definitely not for vaginal use,” the society said. It warned that inserting tablets designed for oral consumption could expose sensitive vaginal tissue to ingredients that have not been tested for such use. Cetirizine is commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms, including sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin reactions such as hives.
Although antihistamines can sometimes cause dryness as a side effect, the PSK stressed that reduced moisture does not mean the vaginal muscles have become tighter. “Dryness is not tightness… instead, it may increase friction, discomfort, and the risk of tissue injury,” the society said. Women who have already tried the practice were urged to stop and seek medical attention if they experience pain, bleeding, burning, itching, unusual discharge or fever.
The warning came a day after Kenya's Ministry of Health raised concern about the growing trend. Senior health official Ouma Oluga criticised the apparent disregard for professional medical advice, warning that social media users could be exposing themselves to health risks by following unverified claims.
He also suggested that authorities could consider introducing a system to monitor the distribution and purchase of medicines to help identify possible misuse. However, no formal decision on the proposal has been announced. The PSK further expressed concern about reports of increased demand, higher prices and shortages of cetirizine at some pharmacies.
It urged pharmaceutical retailers not to take advantage of the trend by increasing prices, warning that people who genuinely need the medicine to manage allergies could struggle to access it. The society also encouraged pharmacists not to knowingly dispense medicines for purposes for which they are not intended and to report adverse reactions to relevant health authorities.
It called on social media influencers and content creators to exercise responsibility when sharing health-related information, warning that unverified medical claims could put lives and wellbeing at risk. The society urged members of the public to consult qualified pharmacists before using medicines for purposes other than those for which they were intended. “Check with a pharmacist before using any medicine for a purpose it was not made for. Do not rely on social media for medical advice.”
Cetirizine vaginal use warning
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