Allergy Testing Instructions

Allergy Testing, Atlanta, Peachtree City, Georgia

Preparing for Allergy Skin Testing

Background:

Allergy skin testing is a fast, safe, and reliable way of identifying allergic sensitivities to allergens (e.g., pollens, molds, dust mites and animal danders, and foods). Allergy test results help tell which allergens you should avoid, which is the first and most important step in treating your allergic disorder.

Instructions:

Wear a shirt or blouse that can be easily removed. Prick skin testing is performed using the multi-test device applied to the back or the arms.

Certain medications, particularly antihistamines, can interfere with allergy testing. For this reason, any medication(s) containing antihistamines must be stopped three (3) days prior to your appointment, to enable testing if recommended. This includes all prescription and over-the-counter allergy, cough, and cold medications. We have included a list of the most used medications that interfere with testing.

If you have a medical condition or severe allergic symptoms that could worsen without medications, please consult us prior to stopping these medications. If you have forgotten to stop these medications by the specified time, please call our office to determine whether you need to reschedule your allergy testing appointment.

Please call our office at (678) 400-6650 with any questions.
Freedom Allergy Team

DISCONTINUE 3 DAYS PRIOR TO SKIN TESTING:

Antihistamines:
Cetirizine (Zyrtec,  Zyrtec-D)
Fexofenadine (Allegra D)
Loratadine (Claritin, Claritin D, Alavert)
Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Allernix)
Desloratadine (Clarinex)
Chlorpheniramine (Chlortrimenton, Tussinex)
Doxylamine (Nyquil, Unisom)
Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
Cyproheptadine (Periactin)
Clemastine (Dayhist, Tavist)
Brompheniramine (Drixoral, Dimetapp)

Nose Sprays/Eye drops
Olopatadine (Patanase, Pataday)
Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro, Dymista)
Bepotastine (Bepreve)
Ketotifen (Zaditor, Always)
Pheniramine (Naphcon-A)

Motion sickness/Sleep aides:
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
Meclizine (Bonine, Verticalm)
Promethazine (Phenergan)
Doxylamine (Unisom)
Melatonin

Supplements:
Melatonin
Quercetin Dihydrate
Stinging nettle
Bromelain
N-Acetyl-L-Cystine
Peppermint

 

Many over-the-counter cough & cold medications contain antihistamines, including:

Dimetapp, Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Tylenol Flu Nighttime, Bromfed, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and many others

Be sure to read the active ingredients to make sure there is nothing that will interfere with testing!


Some prescription medications can also interfere with allergy testing. Please contact your prescribing physician before discontinuing these medications to determine if it is safe to discontinue:

Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Amoxipine (Asendin)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Doxepin (Sinequan, Adapin)
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Trazodone

Imipramine (Tofranil)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Protriptyline (Vivactil)
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Trimipramine (Surmontil)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)


Please continue to take all medications for asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, acid reflux and all other chronic medical conditions.

Please call our office at (678) 400-6650 with any questions.

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