Allergy Pre-Testing Instructions

You will need to stop the following medications prior to testing according to the instructions below.

Please consult with your prescribing physician if you have a concern about stopping muscle relaxers or tricyclic antidepressants.

Please note: This list is not all inclusive.  If you are uncertain if any of your medications fall within the following drug classes, please contact your pharmacist for more information.

1. If you are currently on allergy treatment:

• • • Injections – stop 7 whole days prior to testing
    • Drops – stop 3 whole days prior to testing

2. You must stop taking antihistamines 7 whole days before testing, such as:

• • • Claritin
    • Zyrtec
    • Hydroxyzine
    • Allegra
    • Xyzal
    • Benadryl – This is the only exception to the above rule. (Stop 3 whole days.)

3. Some eyedrops and nasal sprays contain antihistamines and/or anticholinergics. These can negatively impact testing if not stopped prior to testing. Make sure you check labels if using eye drops or nasal sprays prior to use. These should be stopped 7 whole days before testing.

• • • These should be stopped 7 whole days before testing. 

4. You must hold all Beta Blockers on the day of testing. Do not take the day of testing prior to your test. You can bring the Beta Blocker with you and take it after your allergy test is complete. Beta Blockers are sometimes used to treat heart/cardiovascular conditions and anxiety, such as:

• • • Atenolol
    • Coreg
    • Propranolol
    • Metoprolol
    • Bystolic

5. You must stop Anticholinergics 7 whole days prior to testing. These may be used to treat bladder issues, COPD or Parkinson’s, such as:

• • • Benztropine Mesylate
    • Dicyclomine
    • Atropine
    • Fesoterodine
    • Glycopyrrolate
    • Ipratropium Bromide
    • Vesicare
    • Oxybutynin

6. You must stop all Sleep Aids that contain Anticholinergics or Antihistamines for 7 whole days prior to testing, such as:

• • • Diphenhydramine
    • Benadryl
    • Tylenol PM
    • Advil PM
    • Unisom

7. Stop all Muscle Relaxers and Skeletal Muscle Relaxers 7 whole days prior to testing. These have been known to interfere with allergy testing in some cases, such as:

• • • Baclofen
    • Cyclobenzaprine
    • Tizanidine
    • Methocarbamol

8. You must stop all Antispasmodics 7 whole days prior to testing. These may be used to relax muscles and relieve spasms in the intestines, stomach, and bladder, such as:

• • • Atropine
    • Bentyl
    • Cogentin
    • Norflex
    • Ditropan

9. You must stop all Tricyclic Antidepressants for 7 whole days prior to testing, such as:

• • • Amitriptyline
    • Amoxapine
    • Norpramin
    • Doxepin
    • Imipramine
    • Nortriptyline

10. You must stop all H2 Blockers 3 days prior to testing, such as:

• • • Pepcid
    • Zantac
    • Tagamet
    • Ranitidine

11. If you take any Marijuana Products, you must stop them 7 whole days prior to testing, such as:

• • • Cannabis
    • Hemp
    • THC
    • CBD
    • Other bi-products, liquids, oils, gummies, inhalants, or any other form