How does a skin prick test work?
For the skin prick test, we use the automated SPAT (Skin Prick Automated Test) device. Small drops of allergens are applied to the forearm, followed by a small prick to allow them to enter the skin.
Stop taking antihistamines 3 to 5 days before the test
In order to obtain a reliable test result, it is important that you stop taking anti-allergy medication (antihistamines) 3 to 5 days before the skin prick test.
Antihistamines are medicines used to treat allergies. They suppress allergic reactions and can therefore cause the skin prick test to show no allergic reaction when one is actually present (false negative result).
Below is a list of medications that you must be stopped 3 to 5 days in advance.
Are you taking any of these medicines? If so, discuss with your physician how you can stop taking them safely and in good time.
Which medication should you stop taking?
| Brand name | Active ingredient |
|---|---|
| Aerius | Desloratadine |
| Allegratab | Fexofenadine |
| Arlevertan | Cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate |
| Atarax | Hydroxyzine |
| Bellozal | Bilastine |
| Cetirizine | Cetirizine |
| Desloratadine | Desloratadine |
| Ebastine | Ebastine |
| Estivan | Ebastine |
| Fenistil | Dimetindene |
| Ketotifen | Ketotifen (intake not recommended in asthma!) |
| Levocetirizine | Levocetirizine |
| Loratadine | Loratadine |
| Mizotifen | Mizolastine |
| Navalit | Doxylamine + pyridoxine |
| R Calm Dimenhydrinate | Dimenhydrinate |
| Rupatadine | Rupatadine |
| Rupatall | Rupatadine |
| Telfast | Fexofenadine |
| Xyzall | Levocetirizine |
| Zaditen | Ketotifen (intake not recommended in asthma!) |
| Zyrtec | Cetirizine |
| Aerinaze | Pseudoephedrine + desloratadine |
| Cirrus | Pseudoephedrine + cetirizine |
| Clarinase | Pseudoephedrine + loratadine |
| Rhinathiol Antirhinitis | Phenylephrine + chlorphenamine |
| Rhinosinutab | Pseudoephedrine + cetirizine |
| Rhinofebryl | Paracetamol + chlorphenamine |
Which medication do you not need to stop taking?
You do not need to stop taking the following medication:
- inhalation therapy for asthma, such as puffs
- nasal sprays
- eye drops
- stomach-protecting medication
These medicines are not H1 antihistamines and do not affect the skin prick test.
Have you had a skin prick test in the last 5 years?
If so, please contact your treating physician. It may not be necessary to repeat the skin prick test.