Antihistamines
Allergy medicine (antihistamines) can block allergy testing; therefore, we ask that patients discontinue any antihistamines before allergy testing (initial consultation, allergy follow-up, etc…).
Stop all antihistamines prior to the appointment because antihistamines affect allergy testing results; however, contact our office beforehand if you require antihistamines for a medical condition.
| Please stop taking | for this long before your appointment |
|---|---|
| Loratadine (includes Claratin, Clarinex, Alavert, Walitin, etc…) | 7 days |
| Allegra (all types) | 3 days |
| Zyrtec (all types) | 3 days |
| Astelin nasal spray | 3 days |
| All other antihistamines (including cold and flu medicines with antihistamine) |
3 days |
- Continue any asthma medications as directed.
- Discontinue all over-the-counter medications that contain antihistamines 3 days prior to the appointment. Please check medications for cough, sinus and cold, etc…
- Many cough, cold, flu, etc… medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) contain antihistamines.
- If you have questions or are unsure about a medication, please call your pharmacist or our office.
- Nasal sprays, except for Astelin, may be continued.
- Please call our office if antihistamines are taken before the appointment.
- Not all patients coming in for an allergy follow-up visit will be tested. However, we don't know ahead of time who will be tested. Therefore, we ask that all patients coming in for an allergy follow-up discontinue antihistamines.