Health experts have raised concerns over the growing misuse of medication, particularly Cetirizine and antibiotics, amid the spread of health-related trends and challenges on social media.
The warning comes amid increasing concern over the tendency among Kenyans to purchase and consume medication without seeking professional medical advice, with some relying on information and recommendations shared on digital platforms.
Cetirizine, an antihistamine commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itching and watery eyes, has recently attracted attention following social media content encouraging its use outside its intended medical purpose.
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have increasingly become spaces where users share health-related trends, with some people attempting practices they encounter online without fully understanding the potential consequences.
However, health professionals caution that medication should not be treated as an experimental product or used simply because it has become popular online.
Dr Lydia Moraa has warned against the inappropriate use of Cetirizine, noting that taking medication without observing the recommended dosage and medical instructions could expose users to health complications.
She emphasised the importance of understanding the intended purpose of medication and seeking guidance from qualified health professionals before using drugs.
The concerns also extend to antibiotics, which have for years been subjected to widespread misuse, contributing to growing challenges in the treatment of bacterial infections.
Dr Carol Kangogo has cautioned against the improper use of antibiotics, particularly the tendency by some people to obtain and consume the drugs without a prescription or proper diagnosis.
Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections and are not effective against viral illnesses such as common colds and influenza. Their inappropriate use, including taking them when they are not needed, failing to follow prescribed treatment instructions or using leftover medication, can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria and other microorganisms develop the ability to survive medicines that would ordinarily eliminate them, making infections increasingly difficult to treat.
Health experts warn that the consequences extend beyond individual patients, potentially making common infections harder to manage and increasing the burden on healthcare systems.
The growing influence of social media on health decisions has further complicated the situation, as medication-related content can spread rapidly, sometimes without proper medical explanations or evidence.
Some Kenyans have expressed concerns about the influence of online trends on people's decisions to purchase and use medication, highlighting the need for greater awareness and responsible sharing of health information.
Experts are therefore urging members of the public to avoid self-medication, resist unverified online health trends and consult qualified medical practitioners before taking medication.
They also emphasise that drugs should only be used for their intended purposes and in accordance with professional medical advice, rather than recommendations circulating on social media.
The warning serves as a reminder that while social media can provide access to health information, not every trend or recommendation shared online is safe to follow.
