Medications That Interfere With Allergy Testing
Many common medications, especially antihistamines, interfere with allergy skin testing. Antihistamines are in many over-the-counter medications for allergies, colds and sinus problems. It is important to stop taking these medications at least 5 full days prior to your visit so that skin testing can be performed at your appointment.
If you are currently experiencing significant skin symptoms such as hives (urticaria) or swelling (angioedema), or if you were put on antihistamines for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), DO NOT STOP your antihistamines without contacting our office at 518-434-1446.
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H1 Antihistamines (Oral/Eye Drops) – Stop taking 5 full days before visit.
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Allegra (Fexofenadine) |
Chlorpheniramine |
Unisom (Doxylamine) |
Eye Drops |
|
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) |
Tavist (Clemastine) |
Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) |
Optivar Eye Drops (Azelastine) |
|
Claritin (Loratadine) |
Tylenol Allergy Sinus |
Atarax (Hydroxyzine) |
Elestat Eye Drop |
|
Clarinex (Desloratadine) |
Tylenol Flu Nighttime |
Meclizine |
Patanol/Pataday/Pazeo Eye Drops (Olopatadine) |
|
Zyrtec (Cetirizine) |
Tylenol Cold and Flu |
Actifed (Triprolidine) |
Zaditor (Ketotifen) |
|
Xyzal (Levocetirizine) |
Dimetapp |
Chlor-Trimeton |
|
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Cyproheptadine (Periactin) |
Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate) |
|
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Sleep Aids/Cold & Flu Medications: Many OTC medications contain antihistamines – Check for Diphenhydramine or “PM”
H1 Antihistamine Nasal Sprays – Stop taking 2 days before visit.
|
Astelin/Astepro (azelastine) |
Dymista |
Patanase (Olopatadine) |
Ryaltris |
H2 Blocking Medications (Reduces Stomach Acid) – Stop taking 2 days before visit.
|
Pepcid (Famotidine) |
Tagamet (Cimetidine) |
Asthma Inhalers and Singulair (Montelukast) do NOT interfere with testing. Continue taking these medications as prescribed.
Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays do NOT interfere with testing and should be continued.
|
Flonase (Fluticasone) |
Nasacort (Triamcinolone) |
Omnaris (Ciclesonide) |
QNASL |
|
Nasonex (Mometasone) |
Nasalide |
Rhinocort (Budesonide) |
Veramyst/Flonase Sensimist |
Other Medications – Other types of medication may interfere with skin testing. DO NOT DISCONTINUE THEM UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER. Our physician will discuss the appropriate diagnostic approach to your case at your visit.
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Anafranil (Clomipramine) |
Compazine (Prochlorperazine) |
Pamelor (Nortriptyline) |
Tofranil (Imipramine) |
|
Alprazolam (Xanax) |
Diazepam |
Phenergan (Promethazine) |
Trazadone |
|
Asendin (Amoxapine) |
Elavil (Amitriptyline) |
Seroquel (Quetiapine) |
Vistaril (Protriptyline) |
|
Clonazepam (Klonopin) |
Norpramin (Desipramine) |
Sinequan (Doxepin) |
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