Codeine / promethazine ('lean') Detection Time

Opioid (codeine) + sedating antihistamine (promethazine) · Codeine Schedule II/III/V by formulation; promethazine unscheduled Rx.

Quick answer

Codeine / promethazine ('lean') is typically detectable in urine for 1–3 days (codeine) after any use. It is screened on standard 5-panel, 10-panel, 12-panel, DOT drug tests.

Screened on: 5-panel 10-panel 12-panel DOT

Typical cutoff: Covered by the standard opiate strip: 2,000 ng/mL morphine/codeine.

Detection window by test type

urine
Any use1–3 days (codeine)
saliva
Any use1–2 days
hair
Any useup to 90 days
blood
Any use~12–24 hours

Ranges reflect typical published detection windows and vary with dose, frequency, body composition, hydration and the assay used.

Key details

Lean's codeine lands squarely on the classic opiate panel — this is one street drug standard testing catches without any expansion.

Promethazine itself isn't screened, but it can flag old-generation amphetamine screens as a false positive; confirmation sorts it out.

Prescription codeine (Tylenol #3, cough syrup) verifies via MRO like any opioid script.

Frequently asked questions

How long does codeine / promethazine ('lean') stay in your system?

In urine, typical detection is 1–3 days (codeine) (any use). Hair can detect use for up to 90 days and saliva/blood windows are usually shorter.

Will codeine / promethazine ('lean') show up on a standard drug test?

Yes — Codeine / promethazine ('lean') is screened on standard panels (5-panel, 10-panel, 12-panel, DOT).

How accurate are these detection windows?

They are typical ranges from published literature and assay documentation, not guarantees. Clearance depends on dose, frequency, metabolism and the specific test cutoff used.

Need an actual test?
Order online and visit a certified collection site — no doctor's order needed.
Order a Codeine drug test

Cite this page

DrugPanels. “Codeine / promethazine ('lean') Detection Time.” https://drugpanels.com/detection/codeine/. Accessed 2026-09-10.

Sources

  • Brahm NC et al., Commonly prescribed medications and potential false-positive drug test results, Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2008 — Mayo Clinic Proceedingspubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • SAMHSA drug testing resources and analyte specifications — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationsamhsa.gov

Detection windows describe typical ranges from the published literature and assay documentation; individual results vary. See our methodology.

Reviewed for sourcing accuracy against SAMHSA, FDA and peer-reviewed references. Last updated 2026-09-10. Educational information only — not medical or legal advice.