To ensure accuracy of skin prick testing and oral food challenges, please review these expandable lists below to confirm whether it is advised to pause your medication prior to your appointment at Latitude. If you have any questions about these guidelines, please reach out to our team at (888)528-1592.
Stop taking 5 days before appointment
Stop taking 2 days before appointment
Stop taking 2 days before appointment
Certain psychiatric medications, such as the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) listed below, can also affect the results of your skin testing. Commonly used SSRIs such as fluoxetine, escitalopram and sertraline likely will not affect skin test results. However, we understand that sometimes stopping these medicines may not be possible due to the need to remain on treatment regularly or the possibility of withdrawal symptoms. Let your doctor know if you are on any antidepressants or sleep aides before your test, but do not stop these medications without consulting your prescribing doctor.
Stop using on your/your child’s back 6 days before appointment.
Do not use topical steroids on the back for a full 5 days before the appointment. You may use these products on other places on the body. If the medication name ends in -one it likely contains a steroid.
Stop taking 5 days before appointment.
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. It is also important to let our clinic know if the patient is exhibiting cold or flu symptoms on the day of testing, before arrival to the clinic. 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:
Antibiotics will not affect skin test results. However, if you have had recent respiratory or sinus symptoms, please let our clinic know before your testing appointment.
Most short courses of oral steroids do not affect skin test results. However, high dose oral steroids or chronic use may affect skin test results. Do not stop any oral steroid medications unless advised by your physician.
Our SF East Bay clinic is now open at 2610 Crow Canyon, Suite 200, San Ramon, California