The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has cautioned Kenyans against taking excessive doses of cetirizine, warning that misuse of the commonly used allergy medication could expose users to serious health complications.
In a public safety advisory issued on Saturday, November 7, 2026, the regulator warned that exceeding the recommended dosage could trigger adverse effects, including excessive sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat and difficulty passing urine.
“Taking too much cetirizine can harm your health. Exceeding the recommended dose may cause excessive sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat and difficulty passing urine. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board urges the public to use cetirizine as directed and never exceed the recommended dose. Use medicines safely. Protect your health,” the board warned.
Warning follows viral vaginal tightening claims
The latest advisory comes amid a viral social media misconception encouraging women to use cetirizine tablets vaginally in an attempt to achieve vaginal dryness or tightening.
The trend has attracted attention online, with some social media users promoting the antihistamine as an unconventional solution to vaginal laxity despite the absence of established medical evidence supporting the practice.
The Board has previously cautioned against the misuse of cetirizine for vaginal tightening, clarifying that the medication is designed for oral administration and has not been approved for vaginal application.
Health concerns surrounding the trend include vaginal irritation, burning sensations, soreness and discomfort arising from inserting medication that is not formulated for that purpose.
What Kenyans should know about cetirizine
Cetirizine is an antihistamine commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and skin reactions, including hives.
The medication works by blocking histamine, a chemical released by the body during allergic reactions.
However, taking more than the recommended amount does not necessarily provide faster relief and could instead increase the risk of adverse reactions.
The PPB has urged Kenyans to follow dosage instructions provided by healthcare professionals and avoid experimenting with medicines based on unverified information circulating on social media.
Members of the public experiencing vaginal dryness, discomfort or other reproductive health concerns are encouraged to seek medical advice rather than rely on remedies promoted online. The regulator reiterated its public health message, urging Kenyans to use medicines safely and protect their health-PeopleDaily.Digital. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
