If you've been taking a painkiller like Dilaudid, you might be wondering if it'll show up on a urine test and for how long. Even if you have a prescription for it, you might prefer to keep your medication private. In this case, you need to be prepared for drug screenings.
So, how long does Dilaudid show up in urine? Read on for everything you need to know.
How Is Dilaudid Detected?
As you no doubt know, Dilaudid is a pain reliever for moderate to severe pain. It's a common brand name for the chemical Hydromorphone, which is derived from morphine. Like most opiates/opioids, it can be very habit forming, so there's a chance you'll be tested for it.
Despite being derived from morphine, Dilaudid doesn't show on a typical drug test for opiates. This doesn't mean you're safe, though. Some drug-screening kits also test for what they call "expanded opiates," which can include Dilaudid, as well as other opioids like Oxycodone and Hydrocodone.
If you're confused, you're not the only one. Many HR and Safety managers don't know that Dilaudid won't show up on a standard opiates test. However, the only safe thing to do is assume that you will be tested for it.
How Long Does Dilaudid Show Up in Urine?
Many factors affect how long Dilaudid can be detected. Larger and more frequent doses usually mean a longer detox time. Your body's metabolism and your lifestyle can also affect the detection time.
In general, though, Dilaudid is usually detectable for three or four days in younger people who've been on small doses for a short time. In contrast, if you're over 35 years of age, overweight, and been on a heavy dose (more than 16mg/day), you can fail as many as eight days later.
These are just guidelines of course. You should always confirm you're going to test clean by doing your own self-test before the real test. If you test positive, read the advice below.
Ways to Pass a Drug Test
Let's assume you're on Dilaudid for pain management, but you don't want to tell your employer about your medical condition. You can do a couple of things to protect your privacy and avoid having to get a note from your doctor.
Detox Drinks
If you can stop taking Dilaudid for a couple of days, a detox drink should get you through a urine test. These drinks can be used a couple of hours before a drug test to flush toxins from your bladder. The toxins will return after a few hours, but this should give you plenty of time to safely give a urine sample.
Make sure you get a drink that's suitable for you. If you weigh less than 200 pounds, you can go for a lighter detox drink. If you weigh more than 200 pounds, make sure you get the heavy duty version.
Subbing
If you need to continue using Dilaudid for pain management, stopping for a couple of days may not be an option. The best thing to do in this case is just submit someone else's (clean) urine as your own.
