The Ministry of Health has cautioned Kenyans against using cetirizine tablets for vaginal tightening, warning that the growing trend promoted on social media has no scientific backing and could expose users to health complications.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) clarified that cetirizine is an antihistamine approved for relieving allergy symptoms, including allergic rhinitis and urticaria. The regulator emphasised that the medicine is neither approved nor scientifically tested for vaginal use or tightening.
“Cetirizine is not approved for vaginal use or tightening, and there is no established scientific evidence supporting its use for this purpose,” the board stated.
The PPB further warned that introducing pharmaceutical products not designed for vaginal use could interfere with the organ’s natural protective environment, increasing the risk of infections. The warning comes amid growing concern over misleading health advice circulating on social media, with the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) also cautioning against the practice.
The professional body, which represents pharmacists in Kenya, explained that cetirizine is designed to be swallowed and works by blocking histamine, a chemical responsible for allergic reactions. It is commonly prescribed to manage symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes and skin reactions, including hives.
PSK President Dr Wairimu Njuki warned that the medicine had not been approved or tested for alternative uses, particularly vaginal application.
“It is not approved or tested for any other purpose, and definitely not for vaginal use,” she said.
The society also addressed claims that the medicine could tighten the vagina by causing dryness. According to PSK, although antihistamines can cause dryness as a side effect, reduced vaginal lubrication does not strengthen vaginal muscles or change vaginal anatomy.
“The perception that vaginal dryness is equivalent to vaginal tightness is medically inaccurate,” the society stated.
It further warned that inserting the tablets could increase friction, cause discomfort and expose delicate vaginal tissues to injury because the ingredients have not been tested for such use. The public has also been reminded that the widespread availability of a medicine does not make it suitable for every purpose or eliminate the possibility of side effects.
People who have used cetirizine vaginally and experience pain, bleeding, burning, itching, unusual discharge or fever have been advised to seek medical attention. The two organisations urged Kenyans to use medicines only for their approved purposes and follow instructions from qualified healthcare professionals.