The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has warned women against inserting cetirizine allergy tablets into their vaginas to achieve tightness, describing the practice promoted on social media as unsafe.
The body gave the warning following the circulation of TikTok posts claiming that the antihistamine, commonly used to treat allergies, could reduce vaginal moisture and create a sensation of tightness during sexual intercourse. Cetirizine is commonly prescribed to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin reactions, including hives.
“Dryness is not tightness… instead, it may increase friction, discomfort, and the risk of tissue injury.
Cetirizine is an allergy medicine, taken by mouth. It is not approved or tested for any other purpose, and definitely not for vaginal use. Inserting oral tablets is unsafe. Cetirizine tablets are made to be swallowed. Their ingredients have not been tested on delicate vaginal tissue.”
A pharmacist then advised women who had already tried the practice to discontinue it and seek medical attention if they experienced complications.
“If you have already tried it. Stop. See a doctor if you have pain, bleeding, burning, itching, unusual discharge, or fever,” the statement said.
The society further urged pharmacists not to knowingly dispense medicines for purposes for which they were not intended and encouraged them to report any adverse effects to relevant health authorities.