The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has cautioned women against inserting cetirizine tablets into the vagina in an attempt to achieve vaginal tightening, warning that the viral practice is medically unsafe and could cause tissue damage.
The warning follows the circulation of social media claims falsely suggesting that cetirizine, a commonly used allergy medication, can tighten the vagina.
In a public statement issued on November 5, 2026, PSK President Dr Wairimu Niuki clarified that cetirizine is an antihistamine designed for oral use to relieve allergy symptoms, including sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and skin reactions.
She emphasised that the medicine has neither been approved nor tested for vaginal application.
“Cetirizine is an allergy medicine, taken by mouth. It blocks histamine to relieve sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and itchy skin reactions such as hives. It is not approved or tested for any other purpose, and definitely not for vaginal use,” Niuki said.
The PSK president also dismissed claims that vaginal dryness associated with antihistamine use results in vaginal tightening.
She explained that reduced vaginal lubrication does not strengthen pelvic floor muscles, tighten vaginal tissues or alter the anatomy of the vagina.
Instead, inserting cetirizine tablets into the vagina could increase friction, cause discomfort and expose delicate tissues to irritation and injury.
Niuki warned that oral medications should not be used for vaginal purposes because their ingredients and formulations have not been tested for safety on vaginal tissues.
She further cautioned that the widespread availability of cetirizine does not make it safe for uses outside its intended medical purpose.
“Common medicine does not mean harmless medicine,” she said, urging Kenyans to use cetirizine strictly according to the instructions on the packaging or professional guidance from a pharmacist or medical doctor.
The pharmacists’ body advised women who have already attempted the practice to stop immediately and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as pain, bleeding, burning, itching, unusual vaginal discharge or fever.
The society assured affected women that healthcare professionals would provide appropriate medical attention without judgement.
Beyond the potential health risks, PSK expressed concern over reports of increased demand, rising prices and shortages of cetirizine in some pharmacies.
It warned that the viral trend could make the medicine less accessible to patients who genuinely depend on it to manage allergic conditions.
The society urged pharmacies to maintain ethical pricing practices and ensure that patients who need cetirizine for legitimate medical reasons are not disadvantaged by the increased demand.
Kenyans were also advised to purchase medicines exclusively from premises licensed by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), with a registered pharmacist available to provide professional guidance.
Niuki further called on journalists and social media content creators to exercise responsibility when sharing health information, stressing the importance of ensuring that medical claims are supported by scientific evidence.
She said the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya remained committed to working with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, the Ministry of Health and other healthcare professionals to strengthen medicine safety and protect the public from harmful practices.
“Our message is simple: Medicines should be used in the right way, for the right purpose, and with the right professional guidance. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist,” she said.
