Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine, is a commonly used over-the-counter medication for allergies and other respiratory issues. It is a first-generation antihistamine that works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical in the body that causes symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. While Benadryl is generally considered safe and effective, there have been cases where it has caused false positive results on drug tests.
A false positive result on a drug test means that a substance was detected in a person’s system, even though they did not actually use that substance. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as cross-reactivity with other substances or errors in the testing process. In the case of Benadryl, it can cause a false positive for methadone, PCP, and tricyclic antidepressants.
The main reason for this is that Benadryl contains a chemical called diphenhydramine, which is structurally similar to methadone, PCP, and tricyclic antidepressants. This means that when a drug test is performed, the test may mistakenly identify diphenhydramine as one of these substances. This is known as cross-reactivity, where a substance triggers a positive result for a different substance.
The amount of Benadryl that can cause a false positive on a drug test varies depending on the sensitivity of the test and the individual’s metabolism. In general, a standard dose of Benadryl (25-50 mg) is unlikely to cause a false positive. However, higher doses or prolonged use of the medication can increase the chances of a false positive result.
In a study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology, researchers found that a single dose of 50 mg of diphenhydramine caused a false positive for methadone in 9 out of 10 participants. Another study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology found that a daily dose of 100 mg of diphenhydramine for 10 days resulted in a false positive for PCP in 6 out of 10 participants.
It is important to note that the likelihood of a false positive also depends on the type of drug test being used. For example, a urine test is more likely to produce a false positive than a blood test. This is because urine tests are more susceptible to cross-reactivity due to the presence of other substances in the urine.
If you are taking Benadryl and are concerned about a possible false positive on a drug test, it is important to inform the testing facility about your medication use. They may be able to use a more specific test to avoid any potential false positives. It is also recommended to keep a record of your medication use and have a doctor’s note available if needed.
In conclusion, while Benadryl can cause a false positive on a drug test, the chances of this happening are relatively low with standard doses. However, higher doses or prolonged use of the medication can increase the likelihood of a false positive. It is important to inform the testing facility about your medication use and have a doctor’s note available if needed to avoid any potential issues.
How much Benadryl will cause a false positive?
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