How Long Does Codeine Stay In Your Urine?

Codeine can be detected in a urine sample for one to three days after your last use. Codeine is a naturally occurring opioid that can be found in some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines for pain relief, colds, and cough. Codeine can come in the form of cough syrup, tablets (e.g. Tylenol with Codeine), and capsules.

Although a common ingredient in cold medicines, codeine can be habit-forming and addictive when misused. The preferred method for testing someone for drug use is a urine test.

Codeine Detection Time In Urine

Urine tests are the preferred method of detecting codeine abuse in an individual. Codeine can be detected in the urine for one to three days depending on a variety of factors.

What Factors Can Affect How Long Codeine Stays In Urine?

There are a variety of factors that can shorten or lengthen the detection window for codeine after your last use.

Factors that can affect codeine detection times include:

• age
• dose taken
• frequency of use
• metabolic rate
• taking multiple drugs (e.g. benzodiazepines, other opioids)
• impaired kidney or liver function
• level of hydration

People who have to take higher doses of codeine over time, or have developed physical dependence, may have a buildup of codeine in their system. Physical dependence on codeine can cause it to stay in the body, and by extension the urine, for longer than someone who takes it infrequently or just once.

Why Are Drug Tests Used?

Urine tests can be used to determine whether someone with a history of substance abuse or addiction is using drugs. Codeine specifically belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics, which have a high potential for addiction. Chemically, codeine is similar to drugs like morphine and heroin.

Drug testing can be ordered by a healthcare provider, legal entity, employer, or sports organization for routine testing or on suspicion of drug misuse.

Can Codeine Cause A False Positive On A Drug Test?

Yes, false positives for codeine and other opioids on urine drug tests do occur, and they’re worth being aware of before submitting to a drug screening. Certain foods and medications have been associated with triggering positive results for opiates even when no codeine has been taken.

The most well-known example is poppy seeds, which contain trace amounts of morphine and codeine as natural byproducts of the opium poppy plant. Eating a poppy seed bagel or muffin before a drug test can produce a positive result for opiates in some cases. Some prescription medications, including certain antidepressants, antihistamines, and antibiotics like rifampin, have also been associated with false positive opioid results.

If you receive a positive test result and believe it may be a false positive, requesting a confirmatory test using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is the most reliable way to get an accurate result.

How To Get Codeine Out Of Your System

The only reliable way to get codeine out of your system is to stop taking it. If you’re dependent on codeine or have become addicted, this may not be as simple as it sounds. Physical dependence and addiction can make it difficult to quit. Doing so can also be dangerous without the support of a medical professional.

If you or someone you know is dependent on codeine, the safest way to get off codeine is to seek professional help through a detox program.

Codeine Withdrawal And Detox

Codeine withdrawal can be difficult to manage alone. This is where the benefits of a detox program come in.

Detox programs can offer:

• medical supervision
• strong support system
• treatment for withdrawal symptoms

The amount of time withdrawal lasts can vary depending on how much codeine you take and for how long. After detox, additional substance abuse treatment may be recommended.

Treatment For Codeine Addiction

For people addicted to codeine, detox is only the first step towards recovery. If you’re trying to get off codeine after a pattern of drug misuse, beginning a treatment program is recommended.

Codeine addiction treatment programs can offer:

• medications for opioid use disorder (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine)
• behavioral therapy
• group therapy
• chronic pain management services
• aftercare support

Many of the people who are concerned about testing positive for codeine are facing addiction. Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff