By Islam El-Sakka
Kenyan pharmacists have warned women against inserting cetirizine tablets into their vaginas in an attempt to tighten them, following a viral social media trend promoting the allergy medication for sexual enhancement.
Social media trend sparks warning
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) issued a statement on Thursday cautioning that cetirizine is an oral antihistamine designed to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. The society emphasized that dryness caused by antihistamines does not strengthen vaginal muscles and may increase friction, discomfort, and risk of tissue injury.
The trend began earlier this week on TikTok, where posts claimed cetirizine could reduce vaginal moisture and create a sensation of tightness during sex. The claims sparked widespread debate and led to increased demand and rising prices for the drug in some pharmacies, particularly in Nairobi.
Health ministry expresses concern
Kenya's health ministry echoed the warning a day earlier. Senior health official Ouma Oluga said some social media users were treating expert medical advice as a joke without considering consequences. He suggested authorities could introduce a system to track medicine distribution and purchases to identify misuse, though no formal decision has been announced.
Pharmacists urge caution
The PSK urged retailers not to exploit the trend, warning that genuine allergy sufferers could struggle to obtain the medication. The society also encouraged its members not to knowingly dispense medicines for misuse and to report any adverse effects to health authorities. It concluded by advising the public to consult a pharmacist before using any medicine for unapproved purposes and not to rely on social media for medical advice.
