HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Does Ritalin Show Up In A Urine Analysis?

default
Posted on Thu, 26 Jun 2014
Question: I took my Ritalin today at 1pm and them was asked for a urine specimen at 2pm. Would this medication be found in my urine analysis?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Can be detected in urine

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.

The peak levels and half life of Ritalin (methylphenidate) depends on the formulation. With the immediate release version of Ritalin, methylphenidate reaches peak levels in the blood in about 2 hours and methylphenidate from Ritalin tablets is eliminated from plasma with an average half-life of about 3.5 hours. Ritalin can be detected in urine for 1-2 days after dosing. Ritalin will be detectable slightly longer if you have taken the sustained or extended release version of the drug, simply because not all of the medication is released with the initial dose.

In your case, if you have taken immediate release version of ritalin, then chances of getting positive test is very high.

In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (14 hours later)
Will it appear in urine at lab if did not appear in urine at office
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Can give false positive test.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

That depends upon the sensitivity of test. Most of labs use 5 panel urine test. If lab uses this test, then chances of getting false positive is high. Ritalin cannot be detected in a standard 5 panel drug screen. But Ritalin shows up on drug tests for amphetamines. Just hope for the best and relax.

In case, you have more query, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2496 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Does Ritalin Show Up In A Urine Analysis?

Brief Answer: Can be detected in urine Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query. The peak levels and half life of Ritalin (methylphenidate) depends on the formulation. With the immediate release version of Ritalin, methylphenidate reaches peak levels in the blood in about 2 hours and methylphenidate from Ritalin tablets is eliminated from plasma with an average half-life of about 3.5 hours. Ritalin can be detected in urine for 1-2 days after dosing. Ritalin will be detectable slightly longer if you have taken the sustained or extended release version of the drug, simply because not all of the medication is released with the initial dose. In your case, if you have taken immediate release version of ritalin, then chances of getting positive test is very high. In case, you need further help, you can ask. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist