There are certain medicines that can interfere with the accuracy of an allergy skin test. Please review your medicine list and consider stopping any of the following medicines 7 days prior to skin testing if possible. Only stop medicines if it is medically safe and tolerable to do so, this is especially true for certain psychiatric medicines which can cause severe withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped suddenly. If you have any questions about which medicines to stop, please do not hesitate to call our clinic and ask our staff.
Antihistamines:
Accolate (Zafirleukast)
Actifed, Dimetapp (Brompheniramine)
Atarax, Vistaril (Hydroxyzine)
Allegra (Fexofenadine)
Antivert (Meclizine)
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
Chlortrimeton (Chlorpheniramine)
Claritin (Loratadine)
Clarinex (Desloratadine)
Compazine (Prochlorperazine)
Dexchlorpheniramine (Polaramine)
Periactin (Cyproheptadine)
Phenergan (Promethazine)
Reglan (Metoclopramide)
Singulair (Montelukast)
Tavist, Antihist (Clemastine)
Xyzal (Levocetirizine)
Zyflo (Zileuton)
Zyrtec (Cetirizine)
All allergy eye drops prescription and over-the-counter:
Alaway
Ketotifen
Opcon A
Naphcon A
Pataday
Refresh
Similasan
Visine
Zatidor
Nasal sprays:
Astelin (Azelastin)/Astepro)
Dymista Patanase (Olopatadine)
Over-the-counter cold, cough or flu medicines – Most over the counter cold, cough or flu medicines contain antihistamines. If you are not sure which one contains antihistamines, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, or call our clinic to check. The most common antihistamines in over the counter cold, cough or flu medicines are diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine, promethazine, cetirizine or loratadine. Common brands with antihistamines are listed below:
Advil PM
Alka Seltzer
Coricidin
Mucinex
Nyquil
Robitussin
Sudafed
Theraflu
Tylenol PM
Zicam
Stomach pills and acid suppressors:
Ranitidine (Zantac)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Famotidine (Pepcid) & Pepcid Complete
Nizatidine (Axid)
Supplements:
Nettle (herbal medication)
Quercetin
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines – Certain psychiatric medications can interfere with your skin test and it is recommended that the following medicines are stopped one week before skin testing. However we understand that sometimes stopping these medicines may not be possible due to the need to remain on treatment regularly or due to the possibility of withdrawal symptoms. Please discuss with your primary care or mental health provider first before stopping any of the following medicines in preparation for a skin test.
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Amoxapine (Asendin)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Doxepin (Sinequnan)
Imipramine (Tofranil)
Maprotiline (Ludiomil)
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Nefazodone (Serzone)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl)
Protriptyline (Vivactil)
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Trimipramine (Surmontil)