Will Allergy Medicine Show Up On A Drug Test
If you're taking allergy medicine and need to undergo a drug test, you might be worried about whether it will show up on your test results. The good news is that most allergy medications won't cause you to fail a drug test. However, there are some types of allergy medicine that could potentially cause a false positive result. In this article, we'll explore the issue in more detail so you can understand what to expect.
What Is A Drug Test?
A drug test is a screening test that looks for traces of drugs in your body. It's usually done through a urine sample, but it can also be done through a blood or hair sample. There are different types of drug tests that look for different types of drugs. For example, some tests only look for illegal drugs like marijuana or cocaine, while others also test for prescription drugs.
What Allergy Medications Can Cause A False Positive?
Most allergy medications won't cause you to fail a drug test. However, there are some types of allergy medicine that could potentially cause a false positive result. These include:
- Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and promethazine (Phenergan)
- Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
- Nasal corticosteroids like fluticasone (Flonase) and budesonide (Rhinocort)
If you're taking any of these medications, it's important to tell the person administering the drug test so they can take that into account when interpreting your results.
What Happens If You Fail A Drug Test?
If you fail a drug test, it could have serious consequences depending on the reason for the test. If you're taking a drug test as part of a job application, failing the test could mean you don't get hired. If you're taking a drug test as part of a probation or parole requirement, failing the test could mean you're sent back to prison. If you're taking a drug test as part of a medical evaluation, failing the test could mean you don't get the treatment you need.
How Long Do Allergy Medications Stay In Your System?
The amount of time allergy medications stay in your system can vary depending on the medication and your body's metabolism. In general, most allergy medications will be out of your system within a few days. However, some medications like nasal corticosteroids can stay in your system for up to two weeks.
Conclusion
If you're taking allergy medication and need to undergo a drug test, the chances are good that you won't fail the test. However, it's important to be aware of the types of allergy medication that could potentially cause a false positive result. If you're taking any of these medications, make sure to inform the person administering the drug test so they can take that into account when interpreting your results.