AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Question Hello-
I was recently rx'd tramadol and hydrocodone (50 mg and 5 mg respectively) and will be undergoing an extensive urine drug test in 2 days. I havent taken any hydrocodone for 1 1/2 days but continue to take the ultram. Will I fail possibly for opiates w either? They also test for alcohol - so it isn't your run of the mill test. Although prescribed, I was wondering how long it will take to get the hydrocodone out of me - I weigh 155 lbs., am 42 and am 5'7". Is there any way to clear it? they are prescribed but I don't want to open any cans of worms.
Thanks.
Answer Dear Janet
Hydrocodone should be all gone from your system in about 36 hours but the tramadol can linger for up to 5 days. If you have been legally prescribed these drugs and can prove it you should have no problems though. They cannot penalise one for taking clinically prescribed drugs. The tramadol is only occasionally abused and doubt anyway if it would be of much interest even if obtained illegitimately but you never can tell. The US tends to be very paranoid about drug use for reasons unknown to me.
