Commonly Prescribed Medications and Potential False-positive Urine Drug Screens

Nancy C. Brahm; Lynn L. Yeager; Mark D. Fox; Kevin C. Farmer; Tony A. Palmer

Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2010;67(16):1344-1350.

Conclusion

A number of routinely prescribed medications have been associated with triggering false-positive UDS results. Verification of the test results with a different screening test or additional analytical tests should be performed to avoid adverse consequences for the patients.

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The authors have declared no potential conflicts of interest.

The Clinical Consultation section features articles that provide brief advice on how to handle specific drug therapy problems. All articles are based on a systematic review of the literature. The assistance of ASHP's Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists in soliciting Clinical Consultation submissions is acknowledged. Unsolicited submissions are also welcome.

Cite this: Commonly Prescribed Medications and Potential False-positive Urine Drug Screens - Medscape - Aug 01, 2010.

Table 1. Reports of False-Positive Results of Urine Drug Screens for Selected Formulary Agents ^[6–30]
Medication	False-Positive Result
Medication	Amphetamine or Methamphetamine	Phencyclidine	Methadone	Opiates	Benzodiazepines	Cannabinoids	Barbiturates
Antihistamines/decongestants
Brompheniramine	X
Diphenhydramine			X
Doxylamine			X
Phenylpropanolamine	X
Nonprescription nasal inhaler	X
Antidepressants
Bupropion	X
Clomipramine			X
Sertraline					X
Trazodone	X
Venlafaxine		X
Antibiotics
Quinolones (selected agents)				X
Analgesics
Ibuprofen			X			X	X
Naproxen						X	X
Antipsychotics
Chlorpromazine	X		X
Promethazine	X
Quetiapine			X
Thioridazine			X
Other agents
Dextromethorphan		X
Ranitidine	X
Verapamil			X

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