From the Research
Duration of MDMA Detection in Urine
The duration of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) detection in a urine drug screen can vary depending on several factors, including the dose administered and the individual's metabolism.
- According to a study published in 2009 1, the median last detection time for MDMA was shorter than that of its metabolite 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine (HMMA), with HMMA lasting more than 33 hours after both 1.0 mg/kg and 1.6 mg/kg doses.
- A 1996 study 2 found that peak concentrations of MDMA in urine appeared after 21.5 hours, with up to 2.3 micrograms/mL of its metabolite 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) measured within 16-21.5 hours.
- Another study from 2011 3 reported that the analyte with the longest detection time was HMMA sulfate, with more than 90% of total 3,4-dihydroxymethamphetamine (DHMA) and HMMA excreted as conjugates.
- The 2001 study 4 described the determination of 3,4-dihydroxymethamphetamine (HHMA) in plasma and urine samples, finding that HHMA was a major MDMA metabolite with plasma concentrations as high as the parent compound, and a 24-h urinary recovery accounting for 17.7% of the MDMA dose administered.
- A 2004 study 5 found that the short elimination half-life of (S)-MDMA (4.8 h) is consistent with the subjective effects and psychomotor performance reported in subjects exposed to MDMA, whereas the much longer half-life of the (R)-enantiomer (14.8 h) correlates with mood and cognitive effects experienced on the next days after MDMA use.
Key Findings
- The duration of MDMA detection in urine can last up to 33 hours or more after administration, depending on the dose and individual metabolism.
- HMMA and its conjugates are key metabolites that can be detected in urine for an extended period.
- The detection time for MDMA and its metabolites can vary depending on the specific analyte being measured, with HMMA sulfate having the longest detection time.