Detection Windows for Various Medications

Introduction to Detection Times

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that short-acting opioids, such as morphine, have a detection window of 1-4 days for single use and up to 7-10 days in chronic users 1
The detection time for synthetic opioids, such as oxycodone, is 1-2 days, though chronic use extends this 1

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that short-acting benzodiazepines, such as midazolam, have a half-life of 2.9-4.5 hours in children and a detection window of 1-3 days 2, 3
Long-acting benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and lorazepam, have a detection window of up to several weeks with chronic use 2, 3
The American Heart Association indicates that cocaine metabolite has a detection window of 1.5 days for low doses and up to 1 week for street doses, with exceptionally high doses detectable for up to 3 weeks 4
Chronic heavy users of cocaine may have a detection window of up to 22 days after last ingestion 4

The American College of Medical Toxicology recommends always confirming positive immunoassay results with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) before making clinical decisions 1
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause false-positive opiate screens, according to the American College of Medical Toxicology 1

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that phenobarbital has a half-life of 37-73 hours in children and is potentially detectable for weeks, with drug levels that should be obtained to ensure low-to-mid therapeutic range 2, 3
Lorazepam has a half-life of 10.5 hours in children and an approximate detection window of 2-3 days 2, 3
Morphine has a half-life of 1-2 hours in children, but with long-term infusions can be 21 hours, extending detection to 7-10 days 1, 2, 3