The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has issued a public safety alert warning Kenyans against the misuse of cetirizine tablets following claims circulating on social media that the medication can be used to cause vaginal dryness or achieve vaginal tightening.
In a notice dated November 4, 2026, the regulator dismissed the claims clarifying that cetirizine is an antihistamine designed to relieve allergy symptoms and is not approved for vaginal use.
The Board said there is no established scientific evidence supporting the use of the medication for vaginal tightening warning members of the public against experimenting with medicines based on unverified information shared online.
Cetirizine is commonly used to manage allergic conditions including allergic rhinitis and urticaria. It is intended to be swallowed and should only be used according to the recommended instructions from a qualified healthcare professional.
However, the Board expressed concern that misleading online advice could encourage people to insert the tablets into the vagina in pursuit of the claimed results.
It warned that inserting cetirizine tablets into the vagina could cause irritation, burning, soreness, pain and general discomfort.
The regulator further cautioned that introducing medicines that are not designed for vaginal use could interfere with the vagina's natural protective environment potentially increasing the risk of infections.
OVERDOSE COULD ALSO CAUSE SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
The warning also addresses the dangers of taking more cetirizine than the recommended dose.
According to the Board, excessive consumption can cause several unwanted effects including extreme sleepiness, dizziness, tiredness, restlessness and confusion.
Other possible symptoms include shaking, a rapid heartbeat and difficulty passing urine.
The regulator has therefore urged Kenyans not to exceed the recommended dosage or use the medication for purposes other than those for which it has been approved.
It has also advised anyone experiencing concerns involving vaginal dryness, vaginal health or sexual wellness to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on unverified social media remedies.
PUBLIC URGED TO VERIFY HEALTH INFORMATION
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has cautioned the public against relying on or sharing unverified medical claims circulating on social media.
The warning comes amid concerns that misleading health advice online can encourage people to experiment with medicines without understanding their intended uses or possible side effects.
The Board has reminded Kenyans that medicines are developed for specific medical purposes and should be administered through the approved routes.
Members of the public who experience suspected side effects or have concerns about the safety of medicines can report them through the Board's online reporting portal, the mPvERS mobile application available on Android and iOS or by email through pv@ppb.go.ke and pms@ppb.go.ke.
The Board has also provided telephone number 0795743049 for reporting medicine-related safety concerns.
It has urged Kenyans to seek professional medical advice before trying health remedies promoted online, warning that claims shared widely on social media are not necessarily medically proven or safe.