wie lange vor allergietest kein cetirizin — what can you do yourself?

Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine. For allergy skin prick testing, it is generally recommended to stop cetirizine 3 to 5 days before the test, because it suppresses the skin's histamine response and can cause false-negative results. The exact duration should be confirmed with your doctor, as it depends on individual dosage and half-life. What you can do yourself: Inform your doctor about all medications, including antihistamines. Ask when and if you should stop cetirizine. Keep a symptom diary before the test so your doctor can compare your history with the test results. In the days before the test, avoid additional histamine sources (e.g., alcohol, aged cheese, sauerkraut) as they may alter skin reactivity. On test day, do not apply any cream or lotion to the test area. Important: Do not stop cetirizine on your own if you need it to control severe allergy symptoms – discuss with your doctor whether a switch to another medication or a shorter washout is possible. The evidence for these washout periods is based on clinical practice and pharmacokinetics, not large randomized trials. When in doubt, consult your allergist.