IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SKIN TESTING

• Allergy patients scheduled for skin testing must not use antihistamine medications prior to the skin test appointment. Please see the list below for examples of medications you should not use prior to skin testing.
  
  
• You may continue to use plain decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, and any asthma medicines. These will not interfere with your skin testing.
  
  
• Antihistamines are frequently a component of cold remedies, sleep aids and allergy pills. Therefore, it is important to read the packet label! Consult with your pharmacist if you are not sure.
  
  
• Examples of medications that you need to stop before skin testing:

  STOP FOR AT LEAST 72 HOURS (3 DAYS): Chlorpheniramine Brompheniramine Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) STOP FOR AT LEAST 5-7 DAYS: Zyrtec Allegra Claritin Xyzal Clarinex Astelin/Astepro STOP FOR AT LEAST 7-14 DAYS: Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)

  
  
  
• Other medications may or will interfere with skin testing because of “antihistamine-like” properties. Examples include the tricyclic antidepressants (Elavil, Adapin, Sinequan, Surmontil, Tofranil, Amitriptyline, etc). If you are taking one of these types of medications, please notify us so that we can determine if skin testing can be done. These medications should not be stopped unless you have discussed it with your primary care physician.
  
  
• If your condition requires continuous administration of any of the above medications (ie. hives or severe swelling, or if you have a question about a certain medication, please call us so that we can determine whether skin testing needs to be postponed.