Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine medication used to address various conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, itching due to allergic reactions, and nausea. It works by blocking histamine, a natural chemical in the body, and can also reduce activity in the central nervous system. For individuals undergoing drug screening, understanding how this medication might interact with such tests is important.
Detection of Hydroxyzine
Standard drug tests, such as 5-panel or 10-panel screens, do not detect hydroxyzine. These routine tests primarily target illicit substances like opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and cannabinoids, as well as certain controlled prescription medications. Hydroxyzine is not classified as a controlled substance and is generally not a substance of abuse.
While not a typical target, hydroxyzine can be identified through specialized laboratory tests if specifically requested. Such testing may be used in forensic investigations or specific medical contexts. These methods accurately detect hydroxyzine in biological samples.
Factors Influencing Detection
The duration hydroxyzine remains detectable in the body is influenced by several individual and pharmacological factors. The medication’s half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated, typically ranges from 14 to 25 hours in adults. Complete elimination from the body generally takes about five half-lives, meaning hydroxyzine can be present for approximately 70 to 125 hours after the last dose.
Dosage and frequency of hydroxyzine use impact its detection window; higher doses extend its presence. Metabolism, age, and kidney/liver health also play a role, as these organs are crucial for drug processing and excretion. For instance, the half-life can be shorter in children and longer in older patients or those with impaired kidney or liver function.
The type of drug test administered also dictates the detection window. Hydroxyzine can be detected in urine for 1-3 days, while blood tests may detect it for up to 5 days. Saliva tests typically have a shorter detection window, identifying hydroxyzine for approximately 8 hours after use.
Potential for False Positives
Although hydroxyzine is not a drug of abuse, it can sometimes lead to a false positive result for other substances on initial drug screens. This occurs because preliminary immunoassay tests, common for initial screening, may cross-react with compounds having similar chemical structures. Specifically, hydroxyzine has been reported to potentially cause false positives for benzodiazepines or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
An initial positive screening result is considered presumptive. To confirm a substance’s presence and differentiate it, a precise confirmatory test, such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), is typically performed. GC-MS is highly specific, accurately identifying the exact chemical compound and resolving initial false positives from hydroxyzine or other medications.
Navigating Drug Tests with a Hydroxyzine Prescription
Individuals with a legitimate hydroxyzine prescription facing a drug test should take proactive steps to ensure accurate interpretation. It is advisable to disclose all prescription medications, including hydroxyzine, to the testing facility or Medical Review Officer (MRO) before or at the time of the test. This disclosure allows the testing personnel to properly account for the medication’s presence.
Providing valid documentation, like a prescription bottle or physician’s letter, supports disclosure. A legitimate prescription for hydroxyzine generally means its detection will not lead to adverse consequences. The MRO, a medical professional, evaluates positive results in light of disclosed prescriptions and typically reports the result as negative if a valid medical explanation exists.