New markers for alcohol use, ethylglucuronide (EtG), ethylsulfate (EtS) and others, have added tremendous value to routine drug testing by their capacity to better document abstinence (allowing for more authoritative advocacy) and sensitively to detect early relapse (allowing for earlier assistance). Since these new markers are highly sensitive it's important that individuals being tested try to avoid exposure to products containing alcohol that might cause positive tests. This issue is identical to that of avoiding poppy seeds, to avoid a positive test for morphine, however, there are many more products containing alcohol. Below is a list of some of these products: (Please note that this list is not exhaustive, therefore it is a good idea to check labels or with manufacturers before using.)
Possible Sources of Incidental Exposure
Foods
Desserts and other foods cooked with or containing alcoholic beverages (vodka, sherry, wine, etc)
Foods containing significant amounts of vanilla extract (especially if added to drinks, etc), wine vinegar, soy sauces, and others with alcohol content on their labels
Hygiene Products
Mouthwashes containing alcohol (Examples) | |
Listerine Fresh Burst | 21.6% |
Listerine Original | 26.9% |
Cepacol | 14% |
Scope | 14.3% |
PLAX | 8.7% |
OTC Meds (See detailed list below): | |
Cough syrup | |
Tinctures, etc | |
Prescription Medications | |
Asthma Inhalers |
Prescription Drugs containing ethanol (caplets, elixirs, etc), etc
Other sources of alcohol
Communion Wine"Alcohol-free" Beer and Wine, etc
Skin exposure to ethanol where vapor can be inhaled (see below for more detailed list):
Hand sanitizers containing high concentrations of ethanol (ie Purell gel) Deodorant sprays, etc Cosmetics Insecticides Skin application meds (ie topical testosterone, etc)
Be sure to see our section on Alcohol Content of Common Over-the-Counter Medications
Some Common Products Containing Ethanol
The following is a list of products and their alcohol contents. Not all of these would actually be likely to be sources of incidental exposure and some would result in very toxic effects if there was much exposure (ie Clorox).
Brand Percent
ABIN Primer & Sealer 35
Afta After Shave Skin Conditioner 3 OZ. 5-15
Afta Pre-Electric Shave Lotions 50-60
Ajax Antibacterial Dishwashing Liquid 19 OZ. 5-10
Ajax Dishwashing Liquid Antibacterial Hand Soap 38 OZ. 1-5
Aqua Mix Laminate Plus 9 Aqua Mix Tile Plus More Cleaner-10/31/2000 9
Ariel Liquid Laundry Detergent 1-5
Armor All Odor Eliminator 3-7
Armor All Odor Eliminator-01/01/2001 1-10
Arrid Total Gel-All Scents 7-12
Avon Black Suede After Shave 60-98
Avon Black Suede Cologne Spray 60-98
Avon Clearskin Targeted Blemish Remover 9.995
Avon Dreamlife Eau de Parfum Spray 60-98
Avon Far Away Sensual Embrace Eau de Parfum Spray 60-98
Avon Ginger Scents Spray Ginger Fresh Body Mist 60-98
Avon Haiku Eau de Parfum Spray 60-98
Avon Imari Eau de Cologne Spray 60-98
Avon Intrigue Cologne Spray 60-98
Avon Lil Hugs Gentle Splash 60-98
Avon Little Black Dress Eau de Parfum Spray 60-98
Avon Memorable Eau de Parfum Spray 60-98
Avon Mesmerize for Men Cologne Spray 60-98
Avon Midnight Frost Fragrance Spray 60-98
Avon Moisture Effective Eye Makeup Remover Lotion 60-98
Avon MUSK FOR BOYS 60-98
Avon NAIL EXPERTS Strong Results 21.74
Avon NATURALS Body Spray, Almond 60-98
Avon NATURALS Body Spray, Cucumber Melon 60-98
Avon NATURALS Body Spray, Gardenia 60-98
Avon NATURALS Body Spray, Lily 60-98
Avon NATURALS Body Spray, Peach 60-98
Avon NATURALS Body Spray, Plumeria 60-98
Avon NATURALS Body Spray, Raspberry 60-98
Avon NATURALS Body Spray, Sea 60-98
Avon NATURALS Body Spray, Vanilla 60-98
Avon Night Evening Magic Cologne Spray 60-98
Avon Passion Dance for Men 60-98
Avon Passion Dance for Women 60-98
Avon Perceive Eau de Parfum Spray for Women 60-98
Avon Perceive For Men Cologne Spray 60-98
Avon Pink Suede Eau de Toilette Spray 60-98
Avon Planet Spa White Tea Energizing Face and Body Mist 60-98
Avon Prospect Eau de Toilette Spray 60-98
Avon Radiant Moments Body Spray 60-98
Avon RARE GOLD Eau de Parfum Spray 60-98
Avon RARE PEARLS Eau de Parfum Spray 60-98
Avon Simply Radiant Shimmering Body Spray 60-98
Avon Vintage Cologne Spray 60-98
Avon WILD COUNTRY After Shave 60-98
Avon WILD COUNTRY Cologne Spray 60-98
Avon Wild Country Outback After Shave Lotion 60-98
Avon Wild Country Outback Eau De Toilette Spray 60-98
Bath & Body Instant AntiBacterial
Hand Gel-Freesia 60
Bay Rum After Shave Balm 30
Bold Liquid Laundry Detergent 1-5
Bravo Platinum Series Metered Air Freshener 15-25
Bulls Eye Clear Shellac 55
Cascade Crystal Clear Plus Shine Shield Rinse Agent 8.45 fl oz 3-7
Cheer Liquid Laundry Detergent 1-5
Clorox Dual Action Toilet Bowl Cleaner 1 Pt. 9 Fl. Oz. (Chambered Bottle) 1-5
Clorox Spring Mist Disinfecting Spray-Floral Fresh 18 Oz. (aerosol) 60-80
Cutter All Family Insect Repellent 2 Aerosol 35
Cutter All Family Insect Repellent Mosquito Repellent Pump Spray 39
Cutter Insect Repellent 17
Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent 1, Aloe & Vitamin E, Clean Fresh Scent 50
Cutter Unscented Backwoods Insect Repellent, Water-Resistant Sport Formula, 35 Aerosol
Cutter Unscented Backwoods Mosquito Wipes 29
Cutter Unscented Insect Repellent 37
Cutter Unscented Outdoorsman Insect Repellent II Pump Spray 44
Cutter Unscented Outdoorsman Insect Repellent, Water-Resistant Sport Formula, 20 Aerosol
DAP Easy Bond Adhesive 1.0-5.0
Dawn Manual Pot and Pan Detergent 5-10
Dawn Manual Pot and Pan Detergent (Professional Line) 5-10
Deep Woods OFF! 50-60
Deep Woods Off! Pump Spray 30-40
Dermassage Dishwashing Hand Liquid - Regular 1-5
Downy Advanced w/Wrinkle Control Fabric Softener (Clean Breeze, Mountain 1-5 Spring)
Downy Enhancer 1-5
Downy Enhancer (Invigorating Burst and Calming Mist)1-5
Downy Premium Care 1-5
Dreft Liquid Laundry Detergent 1-5
Easy Off Heat Activated Microwave Wipes 5-10
Era Liquid Laundry Deterent 1-5
Fab Color Plus Ultra Power 1-5
Farnam Cologne & Deodorant for Pets 20
Febreze Air Effects 9.7 oz Blossoms and Breeze 3-7
Febreze Air Effects 9.7 oz Citrus and Light 3-7
Febreze Air Effects 9.7 oz Spring and Renewal 3-7
Febreze Concentrated Fabric Refresher 12-17
Febreze Fabric Refresher 1-5
Fire Up II Firestarter <85 Gain Liquid Laundry Detergent 1-5
Giant Auto Dish Detergent 75 OZ BOX 1-5
Giant Pure Power Auto Dish Detergent Lemon 45 OZ BOX 1-5
Glade Fragrant Mist Country Garden 7-13
Glass Mates 4.0-6.0
Glass Mates-05/16/2000 4.0-6.0
HOUSE SAVER Pet Stain & Odor Remover 20
Invisible Shield Surface Protectant-04/11/2002 78
Ivory Snow Liquid Laundry Detergent 1-5
KimCare Instant Hand Sanitizer 60
Lady Speed Stick Clear Antiperspirant Deodorant Gel 15-20
Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash 26.9
Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash 23
Listerine Fresh Burst Antiseptic Mouthwash 23
Listermint Mouthwash 10
Loctite Crafter's All Purpose Adhesive 3-5
Loctite Fabric Glue 3-5
Loctite Outdoor Fixture Adhesive 1-5
LOreal Pumping Curls for Curly Hair 41
Lysol Brand Antibacterial Hand Gel63
Lysol Brand Disinfectant Spray, Antibacterial, Original Scent 79.0
Lysol Brand II Disinfectant Plus Fabric Refresher 12 oz 85
Lysol Brand II Disinfectant Spray-Country Scent (aerosol) 79
Lysol Brand Sanitizing Wipes-Citrus Scent 8-10
Lysol Brand Sanitizing Wipes-Spring Waterfall 52 oz 8-10
Lysol Brand Scrubbing Wipes-Orange Breeze Scent 8-12
Martin Weber Blue Label Fixatif Spray 60-70
Martin Weber Cleaning Solution 31
Mr Muscle Pot & Pan Detergent 3-7
Nair Hair Remover Kit, Cold Wax Strips Pretreatment Towelette 5-20
New-Skin Liquid Bandage 5
Nilodor Air Freshener-Floral 0.5-3.5
Nilodor Carpet Care Deodorizing Spot/Stain Remover 2-6
Nilodor Deodorizing Carpet Extractor 2-6
Nilodor Odor Neutralizer 0.5-3.5
Nilotex Carpet Care 2-6
Off Skintastic Insect Repellent for Kids 90
Off! Deep Woods for Sportsmen Insect Repellent IV, Aerosol 50-60
Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent V Spray, Unscented 50-60
Off! Skintastic IV 90-95
Old English Furniture Wipes 4-8
Oust Air Sanitizer, Outdoor Scent 60-70
Oust Bathroom Citrus Scent Fan .40 oz. 40-60
Oust Bathroom Outdoor Scent Fan 40-60
Palmolive Original Hand Dishwashing Liquid 4.3
Paul Mitchell Freeze & Shine Super Spray 60
Paul Mitchell Freeze & Shine Super Spray (New) 60
Paul Mitchell Soft Sculpting Spray Gel 20
Pine Power Disinfectant Cleaner 5.0
Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer 62
Purell Instant Hand Sanit izer Dry Hands Formula 62
Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer Packets 62
Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer with Aloe, Moisturizers & Vitamin E 62
Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer, Original 62
Purell Kids Own Berry Blast 62
Radio Shack 951 Low Residue Soldering Paste Flux 73
Radio Shack Cleaner/Degreaser 27
Radio Shack Professional Tape Head Cleaner 15-20
Rain X Marine Windshield Treatment 70-95
Rain X The Invisible Windshield Wiper 86
Rain-X Anti-Fog 70-99
Rain-X Windshield Wax 70-95
Repel Hunters' Insect Repellent with Earth Scent, 55 Percent DEET 45
Repel Insect Repellent Family Formula Spray Pump, 23 Percent DEET 44
Repel Insect Repellent Scented Family Formula Aerosol, 23 Percent DEET 48.3
Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Formula Spray Pump, 25 Percent DEET 55
Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max Formula, 40 Percent DEET 43.7
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Lotion 10
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Spray Lotion 10
Soft Soap Hand Sanitizer - Gel 60-65
Spic and Span 10X Concentrate Disinfecting All Purpose Spray 12-25
Spic and Span Floor and Multi Surface Cleaner 0-5
Spray N Wash Laundry Stain Remover 2-3
Static Guard 70
Static Guard-01/31/2002 70-72
Survivor Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Lotion 10
TEN O SIX Medicated Deep Pore Cleanser 15
Time Mist Air Freshener W/Odor Counteractant 15-25
Ultra Downy Liquid Fabric Softener 1-5
Valspar One & Only Interior/Exterior Multi Purpose Flat Black Finish 5-10
Valspar One & Only Multi Purpose Gloss Enamel, Almond 5-10
Valspar One & Only Multi Purpose Gray Metal Primer 5-10
Viadent Advanced Care Rinse 5-10
Wet Ones Antibacterial Moist Towelettes, Citrus 9.6
Wet Ones Antibacterial Moist Towelettes, Travel Pack, Citrus 9.6
Wet Ones Antibacterial Portable Washcloths, Ultra 0-9.6
Wet Ones Kids Antibacterial Wipes, Wild Watermelon & Ballistic Berry 0-9.6
Wet Ones Moist Towelettes with Aloe, Travel Pac 0-10.5
Wet Ones Moist Towelettes with Vitamin E & Aloe 0-10.5
Wet Ones Portable Washcloths with Vitamin E & Aloe, Ultra 0-10.5
Wet Ones Ultra Portable Antibacterial Wash Cloths 9.6
Wet Ones, Antibacterial Moist Towelettes, Thick Cloths 9.6
Zep Tile and Terrazzo Cleaner 5-15
Alcohol Content of Common Over-the-Counter Medications
ITEM | USE | MANUFACTURER | ALCOHOL % |
---|---|---|---|
Ambenyl | cough suppressant | Forest | 5 |
Ambenyl-D | expectorant, nasal decongestant, cough suppressant | Forest | 9.5 |
Anesol | oral antiseptic, anesthetic | Whitehall | 70 |
AsbronG Elixir | antiasthmatic | Sandoz | 15 |
Bayer children's Cough Syrup | cough suppressant, nasal econgestant | Glenbrook | 5 |
Benadryl Decongestant Elixir | antihistamine | Parke-Davis | 5 |
Benadryl Elixir | antihistamine | Parke-Davis | 14 |
Benylin Cough Syrup | cough suppressant | Parke-Davis | 5 |
Benylin DM | cough suppressant | Parke-Davis | 5 |
Bronkolixir | bronchodilator, decongestant | Winthrop | 19 |
Cepacol/Cepacol Mint | mouthwash, gargle | Lakeside | 14.5 |
Ce-Vi-Sol | vitamin C drops (infant) | Mead-Johnson | 5 |
Cheracol D | cough suppressant, decongestant | Upjohn | 4.75 |
Cheracol Plus | cough suppressant, decongestant | Upjohn | 8 |
Chlor-Trimeton Allergy Syrup | antihistamine | Schering | 7 |
Choedyl Elixir | bronchodilator | Parke-Davis | 20 |
Colace Syrup | laxative | Mead-Johnson | 1 |
Colgate Mouthwash | mouthwash/gargle | Colgate-Palmolive | 15.3 |
CONTAC Nighttime | antihistamine, analgesic, cough suppressant, decongestant | SmithKline | 25 |
Dilaudid Cough Syrup | cough suppressant, analgesic | Knoll | 5 |
Dimetane Elixir | antihistamine | A. H. Robins | 3 |
Dimetane Decongestant Elixir | antihistamine, decongestant | A. H. Robins | 2.3 |
Dimetapp Elixir | decongestant, antihistamine | A. H. Robins | 2.3 |
Diural Oral Suspension | diuretic, antihypertensive | Merck Sharp & Dohme | 0.5 |
Donnatal Elixir | antispasmodic | A. H. Robins | 23 |
Elixophyllin-Kl Elixir | antiasthmatic | Forest | 10 |
Feosol Elixir | iron supplement | SmithKline | 5 |
Fergon Elixir | iron supplement | Winthrop | 7 |
Geriplex-FS | vitamins (geriatric) | Parke-Davis | 18 |
Geritol Liquid | vitamins | Beecham | 12 |
Geritonic Liquid | vitamins | Geriatric | 20 |
Gevrabon | vitamins | Lederle | 18 |
Hycotuss | expectorant | DuPont | 10 |
I.L.XB 12 Elixir | iron supplement | Kenwood | 8 |
Iberet Liquid | vitamins | Abbott | 1 |
Imodium A-D | anti-diarrheal | McNeil | 5.25 |
Incremin | vitamins | Lederle | 0.75 |
Indocin Oral Suspension | analgesic | Merck Sharp & Dohme | 1 |
Kaochlor S-F | potassium supplement | Adria | 5 |
Kaon-CL 20% | potassium/chloride supplement | Adria | 5 |
Kaon Elixir | potassium supplement | Adria | 5 |
Kay Ciel Oral Solution | potassium supplement | Forest | 4 |
Klorvess 10% Liquid | potassium/chloride supplment | Sandoz | 0.75 |
Lanoxin Elixir Pediatric | cardiac medication | Burrougfhs Wellcome | 10 |
Lasix Oral Solution | diuretic | Hoechst-roussel | 11.5 |
Listerine Antiseptic | mouthwash/gargle | Warner-Lambert | 26.9 |
Lomotil Liquid | anti-diarrheal | G. D. Searle & Co. | 15 |
Lufyllin Elixir | bronchodilator | Wallace | 20 |
Marax -DF Syrup | bronchodilator | Roerig | 5 |
May-Vita Elixir | vitamins | Mayrand, Inc. | 13 |
Mediatric Liquid | estrogen replacement | Wyeth-Ayerst | 15 |
Mellaril Oral Solution | antipsychotic | Sandoz | 3-4.2 |
Mestinon Syrup | treatment of myasthenia ravis | Roche | 5 |
Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops | decongestant | Bristol | 0.6 |
Nicotinex | niacin supplement | Fleming & Co. | 14 |
Niferex Elixir | iron supplement | Center Labs | 10 |
Novahistine Elixir | antihistamine, decongestant | Lakeside | 5 |
Novahistine Expectorant | cough suppressant, decongestant, expectorant | Lakeside | 7.5 |
Nucofed Expectorant | cough suppressant, decongestant, expectorant | Beecham | 12.5 |
Nucofed Pediaric Expectorant | cough suppressant, expectorant, decongestant | Beecham | 6 |
Nu-Iron Elixir | iron supplements | Mayrand, Inc. | 10 |
Nystex Oral Suspension | antifungal antibiotic | Savage | 1 |
Organidin Elixir | expectorant | Wallace | 21.75 |
PBZ Elixir | antihistamine | Geigy | 12 |
Pamelor Oral Solution | antidepressant | Sandoz | 3-5 |
Peri Colace Syrup | laxative | Mead-Johnson | 10 |
Permitil Oral Concentrate | antipsychotic | Schering | 1 |
Phenergan Syrup Plain | antihistamine | Wyeth-Ayerst | 7 |
Phenergan Syrup Fortis | antihistamine | Wyeth-Ayerst | 1.5 |
Phenobarbital Elixir | sedative | Rosane | 13.5 |
Polaramine Syrup | antihistamine | Schering | 6 |
Poly-Histine Elixir | cough suppressant | Bock | 4 |
Prolixin Elixir | antipsychotic | Princeton | 14 |
Quelidrine Syrup | cough suppressant | Abbott | 2 |
Robitussin | expectorant | A. H. Robins | 3.5 |
Robitussin A-C | cough suppressant, expectorant | A. H. Robins | 3.5 |
Robitussin CF | cough suppressant, decongestant, expectorant | A.H. Robins | 3.5 |
Robitussin DAC | expectorant, decongestant, cough suppressant | A. H. Robins | 1.9 |
Robitussin Night Relief | analgesic, cough suppressant, decongestant | A. H. Robbins | 25 |
Robitussin PE | decongestant, expectorant | A. H. Robbins | 1.4 |
Sandimmune | immunosuppressant | Sandoz | 12.5 |
Scot-Tussin Sugar-Free Expectorant | expectorant | Scott-Tussin | 3.5 |
Sominex Liquid | sleep aid | Beecham | 10 |
Sudafed Cough Syrup | decongestant | Burroughs Wellcome | 2.4 |
Tacaryl Syrup | antihistamine | Westwood | 7.37 |
Tagamet Liquid | ulcer medication | Smith Kline & French | 2.8 |
Tavist Syrup | antihistamine | Sandoz | 5.5 |
Theo-Organidin Elixir | bronchodilator, expectorant | Wallace | 15 |
Triaminic Expectorant | expectorant, decongestant | Sandoz | 5.5 |
Tussar-2 | cough suppressant | Rorer | 5 |
Tussar SF | cough suppressant | Rorer | 12 |
Tussend | cough suppressant | Lakeside | 5 |
Tussend Expectorant | cough suppressant, decongestant, expectorant | Lakeside | 12.5 |
Tylenol Adult Liquid Pain Reliever | analgesic | McNeil | 7 |
Tylenol Cold Medication Liquid | analgesic, decongestant, cough suppressant, antihistamine | McNeil | 7 |
Tylenol with Codeine Elixir | analgesic | McNeil | 7 |
Vicks Daycare Liquid | decongestant, analgesic, expectorant, cough suppressant | Richardson-Vicks | 10 |
Vicks Formula 44 | cough suppressant, antihistamine | Richardson-Vicks | 10 |
Vicks Formula 44D | cough suppressant, decongestant | Richardson-Vicks | 10 |
Vicks Formula 44M | cough suppressant, decongestant, analgesic | Richardson-Vicks | 20 |
Vicks Nyquil | decongestant, cough suppressant, antihistamine, analgesic | Richardson-Vicks | 25 |