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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Reason For Drug Test Showing Positive For Meth Even Though Not Used?

I was required to do an instant drug screen as part of a medical for a new job. The instant came back positive for meth, yet I have not used Meth! Or any other drug! I have taken Zantac for heartburn and this is the only medication I take. The doctor said it could be a false positive . They have sent my sample off to the lab for further testing to obtain a definitive result. Will the lab test show that the result is from Zantac and not meth?
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Ranitidine (Zantac) is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that reduces stomach acid production and you are regularly taking this medication. Ranitidine is also known to give false positives for methamphetamine on drug tests. It is clear that your urine meth test is false positive because of taking zantac. Please inform the authorities of your medication intake so that they may suggest you a different test available to look for the presence of meth. Having a positive test can have legal and professional implications and it is important to get yourself cleared if your meth test is positive due to taking zantac.
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What Is The Reason For Drug Test Showing Positive For Meth Even Though Not Used?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Ranitidine (Zantac) is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that reduces stomach acid production and you are regularly taking this medication. Ranitidine is also known to give false positives for methamphetamine on drug tests. It is clear that your urine meth test is false positive because of taking zantac. Please inform the authorities of your medication intake so that they may suggest you a different test available to look for the presence of meth. Having a positive test can have legal and professional implications and it is important to get yourself cleared if your meth test is positive due to taking zantac.