I have to get a shot of lidocaine tomorrow with a tooth extraction.  I'm most worried that I'll react to the shot.  Most of my reactions are flushing, sinus pain, and tingling of my face ... sometimes it progresses to hives or asthma attacks.  Most reactions are mild but bothersome ... a few have been quite severe.  Some include my throat swelling but most are either asthma or face/lip issues ...  I've had a shot of lidocaine after childbirth twice - both times not being on any antihistamines (I do use inhald steroids for asthma everyday) ... I did fine.  The only difference between that shot and the one for my tooth is 1. where they put it 2. the dental shot will have epi in it.

I went to the allergy/asthma specialist today to ask about this - if there is anything special I should do.  My lung function today was great but he said to take 2 zyrtec tonight and 2 zantac tonight and then in the morning take 2 more of EACH drug and albuterol all before going in.  Then take 2 more of EACH drug tomorrow... I have been off antihistamine for almost a year.  I've actually been getting better somehow and now only take a benadryl if I have asthma or flushing (very rare) ... I do carry benadryl, epipens, inhalers with me just in case because you never know...

So taking all of these drugs within a 24 hour time period seems like overkill in my case but should I take them?  Zyrtec makes me very loopy and sleepy ... as much as benadryl ... a long time ago I stopped taking Zyrtec and only take Allegra or Claritin ... he told me Zyrtec is stronger than Allegra.  What would you do?

Thank you for your answer ... is there a reason for him telling me to take Zantac?  Is there a reason I would need that - I never have stomach problems.  Is that going to help inflammation/breathing problems/hives?

Well, that is just it - I've never taken Zantac.  I was actually surprised he wanted to be as aggressive as he is being.  I don't have any in the house ... I'm hoping that I don't have any problems with the lidocaine...

Thanks for all of your help.  I ended up taking 1 allegra last night (I recently don't take any anti-histamines unless I am reacting) and I took 1 benadryl this morning and 1 puff of albuterol.  I did fine ... the worst part was the gel they used (which apparently is on the do -not- use list for masto) ... my throat felt funny and numb but then it felt tight for a while.  It didn't get any worse than that.  Next time I'm in for a filling I'm going to ask for lidocaine without the numbing gel first.  We only ended up using 1/2 a dosage of lidocaine just to be on the safe side after my "mini-reaction" and I did fine...no pain just a lot of pressure.  I actually got a teeth cleaning as well and had no problems with the smells and tastes.  I do not have masto but autoimmune mast cell disorder so I'm probably not as sensitive as many of you but I do have to maintain a fairly strict diet and environment (no perfumes or strong smells).