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Can Consumption Of Peanut Butter On Whole-wheat Bread Influence Breathalyzer Test Result?

Posted on Tue, 20 Oct 2015

Question: Would a whole wheat bread sandwich with peanut butter, turkey & mayo cause a 'violation' or 'fail' on an in vehicle breathalyzer unit ?
Could any of the medications listed below cause a 'violation' or 'fail' on an in vehicle breathalyzer ?

Klonopin 1mg x 3
Wellbutrin XL 300mg x1
Androgel 10mg x1
Cialis 20mg x1
Tamsulosin (Flomax) .4mg x1
Betapace 120mg x 2
Lipitor 80mg x 1
Niaspan 1000mg x 2
Neurontin 600mg x 4
Vit D 1.25mg 1 Per Week
Finasteride 5mg x 1
D3 500 IU x 1

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cross reaction?

Detailed Answer:
I have never heard of any of the above foods causing a false positive breathalyzer test.

Mouthwash which has alcohol in it can cause a breathalyzer to test positive and cause your breathalyzer to lock you out or fail you. But the above mentioned foods should not interfere with the breathalyzer. I would recommend that you not eat just prior to testing. It is possible the food is blocking your machine and causing it to malfunction.

I hope this answers your question. Please contact us again if you have any further questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (14 hours later)

What about the medications listed in the follow up questions ? Also, can ice cream cause a false positive or 'fail' on a vehicle installed interlock ignition breathalyzer ?

Thanks - XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Can 'sharp' cheddar cheese cause a 'fail' or false positive on a vehicle installed ignition interlock breathalyzer ?

Thanks - XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ignition lock devices

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You have a large list of medications and foods that you are concerned about causing fails. Interlock systems are sensitive to any foods or medications that may have any alcoholic like components. In your list there are non that would qualify as alcoholic nor any of your food products. As far as I am know and I am no expert on ignition interlock systems is that the system is trying to reduce risk of you driving while intoxicated. Sometimes the devices are overly sensitive and will lock you out frequently. This maybe from who knows what. But all the medications you list do not have alcohol in them and the foods should also not cause a "fail"

I would caution you though driving while taking Klonopin may cause sedation and may put you at risk for driving while intoxicated. If you read the bottle label it also warns you about driving while taking this medication

I hope this answers your question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (24 minutes later)

Would sharp cheddar cheese or tuna possibly cause a 'fail' or 'violation' on a vehicle installed interlock ignition ?

Thanks - XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
not that i know

Detailed Answer:
As I mentioned in my last post I am not an expert on interlock systems. The foods that you mention should not trigger your device as they do not contain alcohol. I would recommend that you read labels and not eat or drink products that have any alcohol in them

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar