Will Nyquil Show Up on a Drug Test?

Francisco Church

Chief Editor of - Recovery Ranger

Francisco Church is a rehabilitation specialist and the chief editor of Recovery Ranger. He creates this site to offer guidance and support to individuals seeking...Read more

If you’re concerned about whether Nyquil will show up on a drug test, you’re not alone. Many people are worried that their medication will be misinterpreted as an illegal drug, and it can be a stressful situation. But don’t worry—we’re here to provide some clarity and explain the facts about Nyquil and drug tests. In this article, we’ll discuss the potential for Nyquil to appear on a drug test, as well as the potential implications of a positive result.

Will Nyquil Show Up On A Drug Test?

The short answer is no, Nyquil will not show up on a drug test. However, there are still some important points to consider. Drug tests are designed to detect certain illegal and prescription drugs; Nyquil is neither. However, while Nyquil won’t show up on a drug test, it could contain substances that could cause a false positive.

What is Nyquil?

Nyquil is an over-the-counter cold and flu medicine made by the pharmaceutical company Vicks. It is made up of a combination of ingredients, including acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine succinate, and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride. These ingredients help relieve symptoms of the cold and flu, such as fever, sore throat, and runny nose.

What is a drug test?

A drug test is a screening tool used to detect the presence of certain drugs or their metabolites in a person’s system. The most common type of drug test is a urine test, which is used to detect illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines, as well as some prescription drugs. Other types of drug tests, such as hair tests, can also be used to detect drugs.

Can Nyquil cause a false positive on a drug test?

It is possible for Nyquil to cause a false positive on a drug test, but this is unlikely. The active ingredients in Nyquil, such as acetaminophen and doxylamine succinate, are not typically tested for in drug tests. However, some of the inactive ingredients in Nyquil, such as pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, can cause a false positive for amphetamines. Additionally, some drug tests are sensitive enough to detect the metabolites of these inactive ingredients, which could also lead to a false positive.

Will Nyquil show up on a drug test?

No, Nyquil will not show up on a drug test. As mentioned above, the active ingredients in Nyquil are not typically tested for in drug tests. However, it is possible that the inactive ingredients in Nyquil could cause a false positive on a drug test.

What should I do if I take Nyquil and I have to take a drug test?

If you take Nyquil and you have to take a drug test, it is important to alert the person administering the test. Let them know that you have taken Nyquil and that it is possible for it to cause a false positive. Additionally, if the test is for an employer, you should also inform your employer of the situation.

Few Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Nyquil?

Nyquil is an over-the-counter medication used to treat symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as cough, congestion, and runny nose. It contains several active ingredients, such as acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine, and pseudoephedrine. It also comes in a variety of forms, such as liquid, tablets, and caplets.

2. Does Nyquil Show Up on a Drug Test?

Nyquil itself will not show up on a drug test; however, the active ingredients found in Nyquil may show up in certain drug tests. For example, the active ingredient pseudoephedrine can show up in a urine drug test. Additionally, the active ingredient doxylamine has been known to cause false positives for benzodiazepines on some drug tests.

3. What Kind of Drug Test Can Detect Nyquil?

The type of drug test that can detect Nyquil depends on the active ingredients present in the medication. As mentioned earlier, the active ingredient pseudoephedrine can be detected in a urine drug test, while the active ingredient doxylamine can cause false positives for benzodiazepines on some drug tests. Additionally, Nyquil’s active ingredient acetaminophen can show up in a blood test.

4. Are There Any Warnings for Taking Nyquil and Taking a Drug Test?

Yes, there are warnings for taking Nyquil and taking a drug test. Since Nyquil contains several active ingredients, it is important to be aware of which ingredients may show up on a drug test. Additionally, it is important to consult a doctor before taking Nyquil if you are scheduled to take a drug test, as Nyquil can cause false positives on certain drug tests.

5. What Should I Do if I Have Taken Nyquil and Am Taking a Drug Test?

If you have taken Nyquil and are taking a drug test, it is important to be honest with the testing facility. Let them know that you have taken Nyquil and which active ingredients were present in the medication. This will help them determine if any of the active ingredients may show up on the drug test. Additionally, you can also consult your doctor for further advice.

6. What Happens If Nyquil Does Show Up on a Drug Test?

If Nyquil does show up on a drug test, it will depend on the type of test being administered. For example, if the active ingredient pseudoephedrine shows up on a urine drug test, it may not be considered a positive result. However, if the active ingredient doxylamine shows up on a drug test and causes a false positive for benzodiazepines, it may be considered a positive result. Additionally, the testing facility may require further testing to confirm the result.

Prescription Medications That Cause False Positive Home Drug Tests

In conclusion, it is important to remember that Nyquil does not typically show up on a drug test. However, it is essential to note that Nyquil does contain alcohol, and it is possible for the alcohol to be detected in a drug test. Therefore, if you are taking a drug test, it is recommended that you avoid taking Nyquil beforehand.

Francisco ChurchChief Editor of - Recovery Ranger

Francisco Church is a rehabilitation specialist and the chief editor of Recovery Ranger. He creates this site to offer guidance and support to individuals seeking to overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety. With extensive experience in the field of addiction treatment, Francisco is dedicated to helping individuals access the resources they need for successful recovery.

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