
BEFORE THE TEST
- Smoking: Stop smoking 1 hour before the test.
- Eating / Drinking: May eat light food.
- Exercise: Do not exercise (jogging, cycling, fast walking aerobics etc.) for 2 hours before test. Wear comfortable cloths.
The following medications are to be withheld prior to the methacholine challenge testing.
| Medication | Examples | Hours prior |
| Long acting bronchodilators | Salmetrol | 48 hours |
| Anticholinergic agents | Atrovent, Spiriva, combivent | 48 hours |
| Nido cromil | Tilade | 48 hours |
| Anti-histamine | Claritine (Loratidine) Zertec (Cetrizine) Allegra (Fexotedine,Fexidine,Telfast) Ebastine (Alastina, Ebastel,Aleva, Ebastrol) | 3 days |
| Cortico steroid. Inhaled and oral | Flovent, pulmicort, Azmacort, advair,symbicort | 24 hours |
| Leukotriene modifiers | Singulair, Accolate | 24 hours |
| Intermediate acting theophylline | 24 hours | |
| Caffeinated beverages like tea, cola, caffeinated chocolates etc | Day of test | |
| Liquid theophylline | 12 hours | |
| Chromolyn sodium | Intal | 8 hours |
| Short acting bronchodilators | Albuterol , ventolin, Xopenex | 8 hours |
If you have any questions or concerns, please call our contact center 800 8 CCAD (800 8 2223)
ABOUT THE TEST
- Your physician has ordered a methacholine challenge test for you. This is a breathing test.The test will consist of series of spirometries , where prior to each one a dose of methacholine is given. This test will take approximately one and half hours. At the end of the test a bronchodilator is given to reverse the symptoms.
How will I know the results of my test?
- Your test results will be sent to the physician who ordered the test. During your follow-up appointment, your physician will discuss with you the results of your test.
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This information is provided by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.