Expert: Layla Yeganeh - 7/7/2007

Question
Hi Ms Yeganeh,
I am a 56 y/o male who takes the following meds: Clonidine,Sudafed,Albuterol inhaler,Primatene tablets and Tylenol for headaches. I apploed for a job recently and had a urine drug test that was positive for Ritalin. I've never seen it nor have I taken it or any other amphetamines. Do you know if any of the above medications would cause this?
                                                  Help,
                                                  Alvin

Answer
Hi Alvin.
I can see how this would be stressful, to test positive for something you have not taken. The average clearance time for amphetamines is 48 hours.

It is possible, here is a list I found that could cause amphetamine false positives and positives.

I wouldn't think it would be the Clonidine, or the Tylenol that would cause a + result. Most likely the sudafed, or maybe the other stimulants such as albuterol, and the Primatene.

I would ask to retake the test, give them a list of all your current medications, and if I were you I would not use the inhaler or put anything in my mouth for several days, just to be safe, as they may have you take the test on Mon. or as soon as possible to make sure you are being forthright.

Good luck!

Amphetamine False Positives:   

Over-the-counter cold and allergy remedies that contain ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, propylephedrine, phenylephrine or desoxyephedrine: Nyquil, Contactd, Sudafed, Allerest 12-Hour, A.R.M., Triaminic 12, Ornade, Tavist-D, Dimetapp, Sinex, Neosynephrine, Actifed, Bayer Selectd Maximum Strength Sinus Pain Relief Caplets, Contact Non-Drowsy Formula Sinus Caplets, Dristan Cold Caplets, Maximum Strength Sine-Aid Tablets, Maximum Strengeth Sudafed Sinus Caplets, Maximum Strength Tylenol Sinus Gelcaps, No Drowsiness Sinarest Tabs, Sinus Excedrin Extra Sterength Caplets, Characol Sinus, Drixoral Cold and Flu, Efidac/24, Phenegan-D, Robitussin Cold and Flu. Over-the-counter diet aids containing phenylpropanolamine: Dexatrim, Accutrim. Over-the-counter nasal sprays: Vicks inhaler, Afrin. Asthma medication: Marax, Bronkaid tablets, Primatine Tablets. Prescription medication: Amfeprainone, Cathne, Etafediabe, Morazone, phendimetrazine, phenmetrazine, benzphetamine, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, dexdenflurarnine, Redux, mephentermine, Mesocarb, methoxyphenamine, phentermine, amineptine, Pholedrine, hydroymethamphetamine, Dexedrine, amifepramone, clobenzorex, fenproyorex, mefenorex, fenelylline, Didrex, dextroamphetamine, methphenidate, Ritalin, pemoline, Cylert, selegiline, Deprenyl, Eldepryl, Famprofazone