Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid with high pain-relieving properties, is raising concerns because of overdose and substance abuse.
A common concern surfacing in this context is how long does Fentanyl stay in urine. In this World Health Life Guide, we will navigate the complex landscape of Fentanyl and how long this opioid stays in the user’s system.
How Long Does Fentanyl Stay In Urine? Understanding Fentanyl Metabolism
Fentanyl stays in urine after 24-72 hours of the last dose. However, when you consume it regularly, Fentanyl metabolism can be detected in your urine for up to 1 week.
Our livers exclusively metabolize and eliminate Fentanyl. Further, the liver enzymes will transform them into metabolic waste products or metabolites.
Then, these Fentanyl metabolites go out of the user’s body through feces and urine. So, often, urine samples are collected for the detection of Fentanyl.
Having said that, the answer to your question of how long does Fentanyl stay in urine does not end here.
The detection time will depend on the dosage, the frequency of taking Fentanyl, the administration method, Fentanyl metabolism, and the type of test used.
In this context, you must also understand how Fentanyl metabolism varies from one person to another. In other words, many factors impact the Fentanyl metabolism of a person.
Fentanyl Can Stay In Other Parts Of Your System
Fentanyl can also be detected in your blood, saliva, and hair. Check out the table below for a better understanding of the detection span.
1.Presence Of Fentanyl In Blood
Fentanyl in the blood gets detected immediately after taking a dose. It stays in the user’s blood for up to 12 hours.
However, if someone is a metabolite, Fentanyl will stay in their body for 48 hours.
2. Fentanyl In Saliva
Fentanyl stays in saliva after 2-3 days of taking the last dose.
3. Detecting Fentanyl In Hair
Looking for Fentanyl in hair is the best detection method to detect if someone has been subject to Fentanyl abuse on a long-term basis.
Further, Fentanyl stays in hair follicles even after 90 days of the last dose.
Fentanyl In The System: What Are The Symptoms To Watch Out For
Fentanyl, being a synthetic opioid, promotes immediate relaxation and euphoria. However, some symptoms of exposure to Fentanyl are not so pleasant.
Knowing about these symptoms is all the more important as Fentanyl patches are one of the leading reasons for poisoning in children.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has highlighted that Fentanyl patches are used to treat patients who are opioid resistant.
Watch out for the following symptoms of Fentanyl exposure or intake.
1. Darkening Of The Skin
The intake of Fentanyl can lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin. As a result, there can be black patches on the user’s neck, shoulders, lower legs, and forearms.
They can also notice blue patches on various body parts due to hyperpigmentation.
2. Skin Rashes And Itchiness
Consumption of Fentanyl can boost the release of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins further induce pruritus.
As a result, you can have rashes in centralized areas of your body or all over.
3. Diarrhea
Fentanyl is a powerful analgesic, and it is almost 100 times more powerful than morphine. So, an overdose may affect the user’s stomach.
In other words, diarrhoea and constipation are common in Fentanyl abuse.
4. Vomiting
Fentanyl boosts vestibular sensitivity. Further, it delays the process of gastric emptying. As a result, it causes nausea and vomiting.
5. Loss Of Appetite
Fentanyl reduces the amount of ghrelin, or hunger hormone, in our bodies. So, with prolonged exposure to this opioid, our body fails to process the sense of hunger and the sense of being full.
So, loss of appetite is one of the major symptoms or side effects of Fentanyl consumption. As a result, drug addicts often are the victims of fast weight loss and poor nutrition.
6. Adrenaline Gland Problems
Fentanyl can cause adrenal insufficiency. Further, adrenal insufficiency is a result of disturbed adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary communication.
Adrenal insufficiency can occur when a person is exposed to long-term Fentanyl abuse.
What Are The Factors That Determine How Long Fentanyl Stay In The System
You know long how long does Fentanyl stay in urine and your system. However, the duration of the presence of Fentanyl in the user’s blood and systems depends on many factors.
So, let’s discuss them.
1. Metabolic Rate
Drug-metabolizing enzymes function differently from one person to another. The functions of these enzymes depend on one’s genetics, regular diet, kidney and liver functions, and the medications taken.
The alcohol intake and smoking of the user also impact the drug metabolism of the user. In addition, co-morbidity issues of the user will affect how long does Fentanyl stay in urine and your system.
Nevertheless, if the Fentanyl metabolites leave the user’s body quickly, the opioid will fail to achieve the desired therapeutic or analgesic effects.
On the other hand, if Fentanyl stays in the user’s body for longer, it will create toxic effects and produce active and inactive opioids.
2. Body Mass Index And Fat Percentage
The body mass index (BMI) of the user is crucial in determining how long does Fentanyl stay in urine.
The higher the BMI, there will be more delay in Fentanyl clearance. Similarly, Fentanyl administration often happens based on your weight.
So, if the user has a high fat percentage in their body, there can be risks of overdoses, impacting the duration of Fentanyl presence in their system.
Ideally, the user’s Pharmacokinetic mass or fat-free mass should be considered when determining the ideal dose.
3. Frequency And Amount Of The Drug Intake
It is obvious that when a user is taking Fentanyl frequently, the opioid will remain in their body for longer.
Further, when you take the opioid frequently, the enzymes responsible for its metabolism will take more time to break down the opioid. So, the body will face more toxic effects.
The same logic applies to how much drug you are consuming.
4. Kidney And Liver Function And Other Health Conditions Of The User
Livers metabolize Fentanyl, and it goes out of the user’s body through urine and feces. So, if the user already has irregular or disturbed kidney and liver functions, Fentanyl will stay in their blood or system for longer.
5. Other Medications Or Drugs Taken By The User
Fentanyl interacts with azole-antifungal agents or macrolide antibiotics. These medicines can impact the effect or presence of Fentanyl in the user’s system.
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