The Ministry of Health has publicly warned Kenyans not to misuse cetirizine, an antihistamine commonly used for allergy relief, for sexual enhancement purposes.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga made the statement on Wednesday, 4 November, during a High‑Level Health Products and Technologies stakeholder meeting in Nairobi.

Oluga highlighted that social‑media posts claim the drug can reduce natural lubrication and create a tighter sensation in women, but there is no scientific basis for such claims.

The World Health Organization classifies cetirizine as an antihistamine for symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy skin and watery eyes, and notes it is less likely to cause dryness than older antihistamines, though some users may still experience dry mouth.

Health officials warned that oral cetirizine tablets are not intended for vaginal insertion and could cause local irritation, dizziness, drowsiness or other side effects without delivering any sexual benefit.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board reiterated its role in monitoring medicine safety and urged the public to report any suspected side effects through its pharmacovigilance system.

Oluga suggested the government could develop a tracking system for cetirine purchases and strengthen supply‑chain oversight to identify manufacturers, distributors and end‑users, aiming to curb misuse.