Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued an urgent public health alert cautioning against the misuse of Cetirizine, a common antihistamine medication, following misleading viral claims on social media suggesting it can be used for vaginal tightening.
In an official public safety statement, the regulatory authority clarified that Cetirizine is strictly indicated for the oral treatment of allergy symptoms, such as allergic rhinitis and hives, and is not approved for vaginal use. The board emphasized that there is no scientific or clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for tightening.
Severe health risks of misuse
The board warned that improper application or off-label use carries significant health risks:
- Localised damage: Inserting Cetirizine tablets vaginally can disrupt the natural protective flora, causing severe irritation, burning, soreness, discomfort, and an increased risk of infections.
- Systemic toxicity: Taking higher-than-recommended doses orally to achieve unproven results can trigger systemic side effects, including severe drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, restlessness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty passing urine.
The PPB urges the public to refrain from following unverified healthcare trends on social media and to consult qualified healthcare professionals for safe medical advice.
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