Benadryl

[mississippiRN71]

Is benadry excreted from the body pretty fast? I took some within the last few days for allergies. I know once I’m In monitoring I can’t take any so I better get used to it now.

[SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN]

Yeah I don’t know how fast it gets out of your system but you are right. OTC meds can cause all kind of false positives so I steer clear. This leads to more miserable flu symptoms and longer rehabilitation from simple maladies but I’d rather be sick then fail a pee test

[KyBeagle, ASN]

I’ve been in Ky’s Monitoring program (KARE) for 5 years. I’m due to “graduate” in 16 days. I have chronic allergies (as most people do in this state) and have taken Benadryl at bedtime many, many times.

When I had my first meeting with KARE, the program manager reviewed many of the banned medications with me. At that time, I mentioned my chronic allergies & explained that while I did take Zyrtec or Claritin during the day, they weren’t nearly as effective as Benadryl. She said that as long as my PCP signed their Prescription Monitoring Form (PMR) , verifying medical necessity for Benadryl as a prn Med for allergies, it would be good for a year. The PMR form states that the provider is aware that I’m in recovery, and the medical necessity outweighs the risk of relapse (or something like that). My PCP never had an issue signing it. In fact, she was like “Really?! Benadryl”? She also added Delsym (DM) cough syrup to my PMR this year when my asthma flared up. By putting prn use for a chronic condition, it meant that I didn’t have to go back for a doctor’s appointment if my cough returned months later, as the form is good for 12 months.

On an interesting note, I’ve never had a positive drug test for Benadryl or Delsym. However, I KNOW that they’re out there, because I’ve read on this site where nurses have failed screens for Benadryl. They do have expanded screens that test for numerous drug classes beyond the basics & I’m sure that my state can order them. I just don’t think I’ve been chosen for an expanded screen that includes Benadryl (probably since my DOC was Dilaudid. I’m sure that ALL my screens tested for that & other opiates). That said- once signing your contract, don’t risk taking Benadryl without permission. I can tell that you won’t, anyway, by your concern in asking this question! However, If you did have a positive screen on your first test, I really don’t think it would count against you, anyway, since you took it before starting the program.

If you have a medical need to take Benadryl, talk to your assigned case manager or ask about it during your first meeting. If it’s required for severe allergies, there should be a way for you to take it prn, just as my program allowed me to do.

[mississippiRN71]

Thank you!