What to Expect

You may require skin testing for evaluation so discontinue all antihistamines 4-5 days prior to appointment. See the list of antihistamines here.

Please bring all of your medications and medical records. These include but are not limited to:

• Previous skin test results
• Chest x-rays
• Sinus x-rays/CT scans
• Previous allergy shot records
• Recent relevant lab results

Our registration forms are found on the website so if you want to save time during the check-in process, print them, fill them out, and bring them to your appointment.

If you cancel your appointment less than 24 hours in advance, you will be charged a no show fee. The fee $40 for follow-up visits.

Some medications contain antihistamines and may interfere with your skin test results. These medications include both prescription and over-the-counter medications including oral antihistamines, intranasal antihistamines, some antidepressants, and certain heartburn medications (H2-blockers). 

Asthma medications do not typically affect skin testing. You should not stop your asthma medications prior to your visit unless otherwise instructed to do so.

Most antihistamines are over the counter and are marketed under various names, including brand names and generic names. Ask your pharmacist for guidance or call and speak to our nursing staff if you are unsure of your medications. 

Some examples of medications that need to be discontinued 5 days prior to skin testing are below:

• Azelastine (ASTELIN, ASTEPRO nasal sprays)
• Brompheniramine (DIMETAPP)
  Cetirizine (ALLERTEC, ZYRTEC, ZYRTEC-D)
• Chlorpheniramine (CHLOR-TRIMETON, TRIAMINIC)
• Desloratadine (CLARINEX)
• Fexofenadine (ALLEGRA, ALLEGRA-D)
• Hydroxyzine (ATARAX, VISTARIL)
• Loratadine (ALLERCLEAR, ALAVERT, CLARITIN, CLARITIN-D)
• Levocetirizine (XYZAL)
• Olopatadine (PATANASE nasal spray)

Some Over-The-Counter (OTC) cold/flu medications and sleep aids contain antihistamines such as doxylamine or diphenhydramine as one of the ingredients and should be stopped 3 days prior to your appointment.

• Examples of cold/flu medications: Tylenol Cold & Sinus, Nyquil, Advil Cold & Sinus
• Examples of sleep aids: Advil PM, Nyquil Relief, Nytol, Tylenol PM, Unisom and ZzzQuil

Some Acid-reflux medications are antihistamines and should be stopped 24 hours prior to your appointment.

• Examples of acid-reflux medications: Cimetidine (TAGAMET), Ranitidine (ZANTAC), and Famotidine (PEPCID)

Some psychiatric medications are also antihistamines and should be stopped 2 weeks prior to your appointment. You must check with the prescribing doctor prior to discontinuing any psychiatric medications.

• Examples include (but are not limited to) doxepin, imipramine, and amitriptyline, nortriptyline.