Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Program

Medication guidelines

If your child is taking medication, it is important that you follow these directions.

• Do not give your child medicine that contains antihistamines prior to the visit.
   
• Do not give your child the following medications for 7 to 10 days before your visit:
  • Allegra (Fexoferadine)
  • Claritin (Loratadine)
  • Clarinex
  • Clemastine
  • Tavist
  • Atarax (Hydroxyzine)
  • Cyproheptadine (Periactin)
     
• Do not give your child Zyrtec for 10 to 14 days before your visit.
   
• Antihistamines are found in many non-prescription cold or allergy medicines. These should be stopped at least 3 days before the visit. Examples are:
  • Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
  • Actifed
  • Dimetapp
  • Pediacare
  • Triaminic cold formulas
     
• If you do not know whether your child's medicine contains antihistamines, ask the pharmacist or call the Allergy Program at 617-355-6117 and ask to speak with a nurse.
   
• If you are unable to stop the medication, or your child develops symptoms while off the medication, please call the Allergy Program at 617-355-6117 and ask to speak with a nurse.
   
• Do not stop other medications prescribed by your doctor.
   
• Do not give your child asthma medications (bronchodilators) such as albuterol, Ventolin, Proventil, Xopenex or Maxair on the day of the visit unless your child is coughing or wheezing. Other asthma medications and antibiotics should be given as usual.