Kenyan pharmacists have warned women against using cetirizine, a common allergy medication, for vaginal tightening after unverified claims about the drug went viral on social media, raising concerns about possible injuries and shortages for patients who need it.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) said the practice was unsafe, stressing that cetirizine is designed to be taken orally and has not been tested for insertion into vaginal tissue.
The warning follows a growing trend on TikTok, where users have promoted the antihistamine as a way to reduce vaginal moisture and create a sensation of tightness during sexual intercourse. The claims have triggered debate online, with some users endorsing the practice while others have questioned its safety.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the controversy has also raised concerns about the availability of the medication, with reports of increased demand, rising prices and shortages at some pharmacies, particularly in Nairobi.
Cetirizine is commonly used to manage allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin reactions such as hives. Although antihistamines can sometimes cause dryness as a side effect, pharmacists say this does not strengthen vaginal muscles or achieve the physical tightening being promoted online.
The PSK warned that reduced moisture could instead increase friction during intercourse, potentially causing discomfort and damage to delicate vaginal tissue.
It also cautioned against inserting oral tablets into the vagina, noting that their ingredients have not been tested for such use.
The society advised women who have already tried the practice to stop immediately and seek medical attention if they experience pain, bleeding, burning, itching, unusual discharge or fever.
The warning came a day after Kenya’s health ministry raised concerns about the trend. Senior health official Ouma Oluga said some social media users appeared to be dismissing expert medical advice without considering the possible consequences.
Oluga suggested that authorities could introduce a system to monitor the distribution and purchase of medicines to help identify potential misuse. However, no formal decision on the proposal has been announced.
The PSK also warned that the growing demand for cetirizine could affect people who rely on the medication to manage genuine allergy conditions.
It urged pharmacies and medicine retailers not to take advantage of the trend by increasing prices, while encouraging pharmacists to avoid knowingly dispensing medicines for purposes that could put users at risk.
The society further called on social media influencers and content creators to exercise caution when sharing health-related information, warning that unverified claims could expose members of the public to avoidable harm.
It advised people to consult qualified pharmacists before using medicines for purposes other than those for which they were intended, rather than relying on social media trends for medical guidance.
