Urine Drug Testing – Cocaine & Methamphetamine

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[title]Urine Drug Testing – Cocaine & Methamphetamine (MA)[/title]

Scope 
This page covers typical urine detection windows for cocaine and methamphetamine (MA), including chronic-use scenarios. Times assume standard lab immunoassay cut-offs.


Cocaine

What is detected: 
• Benzoylecgonine (main metabolite) 
• Cocaine itself clears very fast

Detection window (urine): 
• Single / occasional use: 2–3 days 
• Heavy or repeated use: 5–7 days 
• Extreme binges (rare): up to 10–14 days

Notes: 
• Cocaine has one primary metabolite 
• Short-lived compared to stimulants like MA 
• Most users are clear within 72 hours


Methamphetamine (MA)

What is detected: 
• Methamphetamine 
• Amphetamine (active metabolite – this is the limiter)

Detection window (urine): 
• Single / light use: 2–4 days 
• One-day heavy use: 4–6 days 
• Multi-day binge (2–4 days): 6–8 days 
• Chronic / high-dose use: 8–10 days 
• Outliers (daily, long-term use): up to 14 days

Why MA lasts longer than cocaine: 
• Converts to amphetamine 
• Amphetamine accumulates with repeated use 
• Chronic use causes metabolite stacking


Route of Use 
• IV / smoked: slightly longer tail 
• Nasal: middle 
• Oral: slightly shorter 
Frequency and total dose matter far more than route


Urine pH & Hydration 
• Alkaline urine = slower excretion 
• Acidic urine = faster excretion 
• Labs account for dilution; hydration does not “cheat” tests


Rule of Thumb 
• Cocaine: usually clear in ≤3 days 
• MA single use: ~3–4 days 
• MA binge: ~7 days 
• MA chronic: 10+ days possible

Important: 
Long detection times are driven by chronic daily use without breaks, not isolated doses.