The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya has warned women against inserting antihistamine tablets into the vagina for purported tightening, saying the practice is medically unsafe and could cause tissue damage.

The society issued the warning on Thursday, November 5, 2026, following the circulation of social media posts promoting the use of the commonly available allergy medication for vaginal tightening.

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In a statement signed by its President, Dr Wairimu Njuki, the society explained that antihistamines are designed for oral use to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin reactions.

It stressed that the drug had neither been approved nor tested for vaginal application.

The society also dismissed the belief that vaginal dryness is equivalent to vaginal tightening, explaining that reduced lubrication does not strengthen vaginal muscles or change vaginal anatomy.

“Although antihistamines may cause dryness as a side effect, reduced lubrication does not strengthen vaginal muscles or alter vaginal anatomy.

Instead, it may increase friction, discomfort, and the risk of tissue injury, the statement read.

The pharmacists further cautioned against inserting oral tablets into the vagina, noting that their ingredients had not been tested for use on delicate vaginal tissues.

It advised the public to take medicines strictly according to instructions on their labels or as directed by registered pharmacists and medical doctors.

The society also urged people who had already tried the practice to stop immediately and seek medical attention if they experienced pain, bleeding, burning, itching, unusual discharge or fever.

It warned that social media should not be treated as a reliable source of medical advice, particularly when unverified claims could put public health at risk.

“The rapid circulation of unverified medical claims presents significant risks to public health,” the statement said.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya also expressed concern over reports of increased demand and rising prices of the medication, urging pharmacists to maintain professional standards.

It called on its members to ensure that people who genuinely need the drug for allergy treatment can still access it without unnecessary difficulty.

The society advised consumers to purchase medicines only from premises licensed by Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board, where a registered pharmacist is available.

It also appealed to social media content creators to exercise responsibility when sharing health-related information, ensuring that their claims are evidence-based and do not expose the public to harm.

The PSK said it remained committed to working with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, the Ministry of Health and other healthcare professionals to improve medicine safety and protect the public.

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Meanwhile, checks by PUNCH Online at Nigerian-based pharmacy store Asset Pharmacy showed that the medication was packaged in sachets containing 10 tablets, each measuring 10mg, and marketed for allergy relief.