wie lange vor allergietest keine antihistaminika — when to see a doctor?

The recommended washout period for antihistamines before allergy testing depends on the test type and the specific drug. For skin tests (prick or intradermal), short-acting antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine) should be stopped at least 3–5 days prior, while long-acting ones (e.g., desloratadine, fexofenadine) require 5–7 days. For blood tests (specific IgE), antihistamines do not interfere, so discontinuation is usually unnecessary. However, always consult your doctor before stopping any medication, especially if you have severe allergies or asthma. You should see a doctor if your symptoms are acute, you need a definitive diagnosis, or you are unsure about the medication pause. Evidence is based on clinical practice and guidelines (e.g., EAACI). Caveat: Do not self-discontinue medications without medical advice.