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Applied Science Private University

Volume Volume 18, 2024 · Issue 1 · Open Access · Double-blind Peer-review

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Hypothesis

The Effect of Oral Contraceptive Pills on the Detection of Pregabalin and Diazepam in Urine: Animal-Based Model

Alaa Al-Banaa1, Muna Barakat2, Lujain F. Alzaghari1, Razan I. Nassar1 & Feras Darwish Elhajji1

1 Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.

2 Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.

* Corresponding author: Muna Barakat ([email protected])

Published: 30 Jun 2024

https://doi.org/10.35192/jjoas-n.v18i1.1711
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Abstract

Background: Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are usually used for birth control. However, some studies have shown unforeseen uses for them, including attempts to adulterate the results of illicit drug tests. Objective: We examined the effects of OCPs on masking the appearance of pregabalin and diazepam in a urine drug screening kit. Additionally, the behavioral consequences of pregabalin and diazepam with or without OCP were examined using rotarod and hot plate tests.

Methods: A total of 60 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups: (a) a control group (untreated), (b) a group given pregabalin alone, (c) a group given diazepam alone, (d) a group given OCP (Microgynon® [Levonorgestrel/Ethinylestradiol]) alone, (e) a group given pregabalin with OCP, and (f) a group given diazepam with OCP. A urine drug screening kit was used to determine the presence or absence of illicit drugs. Rotarod and hot plate tests were also used to assess the impact of OCP use on behavior among the tested groups.

Results: The urine screening test showed confirmed drug detection in the pregabalin group, the diazepam group, and the pregabalin/Microgynon group, while the diazepam/Microgynon group showed uncertain presence or absence of diazepam in the urine. Rotarod and hot plate tests indicated that Microgynon did not significantly affect the pregabalin-treated group, whereas a slight difference was observed in the diazepam-treated group.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that OCPs did not affect the detection of illicit drugs in urine immunoassay tests; however, they may contribute to invalid results among specific abused drugs. Future studies are needed to understand the rationale behind the improper use of OCPs to mask illicit drug detection. Serious educational campaigns are also necessary to highlight the negative consequences of OCP intake on men's health.

KeywordsOCPsIllicit drugsPregabalinDiazepamUrine

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