Tizanidine, a muscle relaxant, is prescribed to alleviate spasms, cramping, and tightness brought on by medical circumstances like a number of sclerosis or spinal wire harm. Whether or not the presence of this treatment is detectable in normal drug screening procedures is a standard concern for people present process such exams. Drug exams primarily goal substances equivalent to opioids, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Understanding if a prescribed treatment will set off a constructive result’s important for sustaining transparency with employers, healthcare suppliers, or authorized entities requiring drug screenings. Understanding the scope of typical drug exams helps people keep away from potential misunderstandings or unwarranted accusations. The historic focus of drug testing has been on illicit substances, however the rising prevalence of prescription treatment use necessitates consciousness of potential cross-reactivity or detection of pharmaceuticals.
The next sections will element the particular mechanisms of ordinary drug exams and tackle whether or not they’re designed to detect tizanidine. Moreover, this exploration will cowl circumstances below which tizanidine is likely to be particularly screened for, and strategies to make sure correct interpretation of drug check outcomes when taking prescribed treatment.
1. Customary panel exclusion
The query of tizanidine showing in a drug check is straight influenced by its exclusion from normal screening panels. Typical drug check panels are designed to detect generally abused substances, equivalent to opioids, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, cocaine, and cannabinoids. Tizanidine, as a centrally performing alpha2-adrenergic agonist muscle relaxant, doesn’t fall inside these classes. Due to this fact, if a regular drug check panel is utilized, the presence of tizanidine in a person’s system is unlikely to be detected. This exclusion arises as a result of the reagents and analytical strategies utilized in normal exams usually are not calibrated to establish tizanidine or its metabolites.
Think about a state of affairs the place an worker is prescribed tizanidine for continual again ache and undergoes a routine drug screening mandated by the employer. If the employer makes use of a regular 5-panel or 10-panel drug check, the tizanidine won’t be detected. Nevertheless, ought to the employer require a extra complete or specialised drug display screen, the opportunity of detection will increase. The sensible significance of this lies in understanding the restrictions of ordinary drug exams and the potential want for people taking tizanidine to proactively disclose their prescription, particularly if there may be concern about misinterpretation of check outcomes on account of potential cross-reactivity or particular employment necessities. Moreover, medical overview officers (MROs) play a significant function in decoding drug check outcomes, and they need to learn about prescribed medicines to make sure correct evaluation.
In abstract, the exclusion of tizanidine from normal drug check panels implies that routine screenings will usually not reveal its presence. This understanding is crucial for each people taking the treatment and organizations administering drug exams. Proactive disclosure of prescriptions and the utilization of MROs are important parts in avoiding misunderstandings and guaranteeing truthful and correct interpretation of drug check outcomes. The challenges come up when employers or regulatory our bodies assume that a regular drug check gives a whole profile of all substances in a person’s system, which is commonly not the case.
2. Specialised testing wanted
The detection of tizanidine mandates the usage of specialised testing methodologies, as normal drug screening panels don’t sometimes embody this substance. Due to this fact, figuring out whether or not it can seem in a drug check hinges on the particular kind of assay employed.
-
Gasoline Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
GC-MS is a extremely delicate and particular analytical method utilized to establish and quantify numerous substances in a pattern. If a laboratory is instructed to particularly display screen for tizanidine, GC-MS is a dependable technique. The method entails separating the parts of a pattern utilizing fuel chromatography after which figuring out them primarily based on their mass-to-charge ratio utilizing mass spectrometry. This technique gives definitive affirmation of tizanidine’s presence, distinguishing it from different substances that may produce related leads to much less particular exams. In forensic toxicology or scientific settings the place exact identification is crucial, GC-MS is ceaselessly employed.
-
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
LC-MS affords another strategy for detecting tizanidine, notably in organic matrices equivalent to urine or blood. This system combines the separation capabilities of liquid chromatography with the detection energy of mass spectrometry. LC-MS is well-suited for analyzing thermally labile or high-molecular-weight compounds that is probably not amenable to GC-MS. This technique is commonly utilized in pharmaceutical analysis and scientific diagnostics to quantify drug concentrations and establish metabolites. Its excessive sensitivity and specificity make it a priceless instrument when tizanidine detection is explicitly required.
-
Immunoassay with Particular Antibodies
Immunoassays, whereas much less frequent for tizanidine detection, could be developed to display screen for it if particular antibodies can be found. These exams depend on the precept of antibody-antigen interplay, the place antibodies bind selectively to tizanidine. Whereas immunoassays could be speedy and cost-effective, they often have decrease specificity in comparison with GC-MS or LC-MS. Consequently, constructive outcomes obtained by way of immunoassay sometimes require affirmation by a extra definitive technique. Immunoassays are primarily used for preliminary screening in high-throughput settings, equivalent to office drug testing applications.
-
Requesting a Focused Drug Display screen
Probably the most direct manner to make sure tizanidine detection is to particularly request a focused drug display screen. This entails instructing the laboratory to incorporate tizanidine within the record of drugs being analyzed. Such a request is important when there’s a scientific or authorized cause to find out whether or not a person has been taking tizanidine. With no particular request, normal drug check panels won’t detect the presence of this treatment. The accountability sometimes falls on the requesting occasion, equivalent to an employer, doctor, or authorized entity, to obviously talk the necessity for tizanidine testing to the laboratory.
In abstract, figuring out whether or not tizanidine will seem in a drug check necessitates the utilization of specialised testing strategies. Customary drug screening panels don’t embody tizanidine, and thus, particular directions have to be offered to the laboratory to conduct the suitable evaluation. The selection of technique, whether or not GC-MS, LC-MS, or immunoassay, is dependent upon the required degree of sensitivity, specificity, and the context through which the drug check is being carried out. Focused drug screens are important when there’s a clear want to establish the presence or absence of tizanidine in a person’s system.
3. Potential false positives
The query of whether or not tizanidine will seem in a drug check is difficult by the opportunity of false positives. Whereas normal drug screens sometimes don’t goal tizanidine straight, sure substances or circumstances can intervene with the testing course of, resulting in inaccurate outcomes. A false constructive signifies that the check detects a substance, or on this case, infers its presence, when it isn’t truly current within the particular person’s system. This phenomenon is especially related within the context of drug testing due to the potential authorized, skilled, and private ramifications of an inaccurate consequence.
The mechanism behind false positives typically entails cross-reactivity, the place the antibodies or reagents used within the drug check react with structurally related compounds or metabolites, resulting in misidentification. For instance, sure medicines and even dietary dietary supplements may doubtlessly trigger a false constructive. Whereas no particular substances are definitively identified to cross-react with tizanidine assays, the chance stays, particularly if much less particular immunoassay strategies are used. As an instance, take into account a hypothetical state of affairs the place a person taking an unrelated treatment experiences a metabolic course of that generates a compound structurally just like tizanidine. If a much less exact drug testing technique is employed, this compound is likely to be mistakenly recognized as tizanidine, leading to a false constructive. Affirmation testing, sometimes involving extra particular methods equivalent to GC-MS or LC-MS, turns into essential in such instances to confirm the preliminary consequence. The sensible significance of this understanding is that people taking any treatment ought to disclose this info through the drug testing course of to permit medical overview officers to correctly interpret the outcomes and examine any potential discrepancies.
In abstract, the potential for false positives is a vital consideration when assessing whether or not tizanidine will seem in a drug check. Though tizanidine itself will not be normally included in normal panels, cross-reactivity with different substances or limitations of the testing methodology may result in inaccurate outcomes. Affirmation testing with extra particular strategies is crucial to mitigate the danger of false positives. Proactive disclosure of all medicines taken is paramount to make sure correct interpretation of drug check outcomes and to stop potential misunderstandings or hostile penalties. The problem lies within the inherent limitations of screening assays and the complexities of human metabolism, underscoring the necessity for vigilance and thoroughness within the drug testing course of.
4. Metabolism issues
The detection of tizanidine in a drug check is considerably influenced by its metabolic properties. These metabolic elements dictate the focus of the drug and its metabolites throughout the physique, straight affecting the chance and period of detectability.
-
Hepatic Metabolism
Tizanidine undergoes intensive hepatic metabolism, primarily by way of cytochrome P450 enzymes, notably CYP1A2. This course of breaks down the father or mother drug into numerous metabolites, a few of which can be pharmacologically lively whereas others are inactive. The speed of hepatic metabolism varies amongst people on account of genetic polymorphisms, age, liver operate, and concurrent use of different medicines which will induce or inhibit CYP1A2. As an illustration, people who smoke are inclined to have induced CYP1A2 exercise, doubtlessly resulting in sooner metabolism and a shorter detection window for tizanidine. Conversely, people taking CYP1A2 inhibitors could expertise slower metabolism and extended detection.
-
Metabolite Excretion
The metabolites of tizanidine are primarily excreted renally. The effectivity of renal excretion is influenced by elements equivalent to kidney operate, hydration standing, and urine pH. Impaired renal operate can extend the elimination half-life of tizanidine metabolites, doubtlessly extending the detection window. Equally, variations in urine pH can have an effect on the ionization and reabsorption of metabolites, influencing their excretion charge. These elements contribute to the variability in drug check outcomes and emphasize the significance of contemplating particular person physiological traits when decoding drug check outcomes.
-
Half-Life Variance
The elimination half-life of tizanidine sometimes ranges from 2 to 4 hours. This comparatively brief half-life implies that the drug is cleared from the physique comparatively shortly. Nevertheless, the precise half-life can differ considerably amongst people because of the aforementioned metabolic elements. People with impaired liver or kidney operate could exhibit a chronic half-life, rising the period throughout which tizanidine or its metabolites are detectable. This variability underscores the issue in predicting exactly when the drug will now not be detectable, even when specialised testing strategies are employed.
-
Influence on Detection Home windows
The detection window for tizanidine is straight affected by its metabolism and excretion. On account of its brief half-life and intensive metabolism, tizanidine is mostly detectable in urine for a comparatively brief interval, sometimes 1 to three days after the final dose. Nevertheless, this window could be influenced by elements equivalent to dosage, frequency of use, and particular person metabolic charges. People who take greater doses or use tizanidine extra ceaselessly could have an extended detection window. Conversely, these with environment friendly hepatic metabolism and renal excretion could clear the drug extra quickly, lowering the detection window. Due to this fact, the likelihood of detecting tizanidine in a drug check is very depending on these metabolic issues.
In abstract, the metabolic properties of tizanidine play an important function in figuring out whether or not will probably be detected in a drug check. Hepatic metabolism, metabolite excretion, half-life variance, and their collective impression on detection home windows all contribute to the variability in drug check outcomes. Understanding these elements is crucial for correct interpretation of drug check outcomes and for managing potential discrepancies which will come up on account of particular person variations in metabolism.
5. Detection window variance
The chance of tizanidine being detected in a drug check is considerably influenced by detection window variance. This variance refers back to the vary of time throughout which the drug, or its metabolites, stay detectable in organic samples following administration. A number of elements contribute to this variance, together with particular person metabolism charges, dosage, frequency of use, and the sensitivity of the testing technique employed. As a result of normal drug screens don’t sometimes embody tizanidine, the detection window turns into notably related solely when specialised testing is performed. The shorter the detection window, the decrease the likelihood that tizanidine will likely be detected, particularly if testing will not be carried out throughout the slim timeframe post-administration. A person with speedy metabolism, taking a low dose occasionally, could have a shorter detection window than somebody with slower metabolism taking a better dose repeatedly. This physiological variability, coupled with the restrictions of various analytical strategies, underscores the inherent problem in predicting whether or not tizanidine will likely be detected.
The kind of organic pattern analyzed additionally impacts the detection window. Urine, the most typical matrix for drug testing, usually gives a detection window of 1 to three days for tizanidine on account of its comparatively brief half-life and speedy excretion. Blood samples would possibly provide a barely shorter detection window, whereas hair follicle testing, although not sometimes used for tizanidine, may theoretically present an extended detection window however is much less dependable for this specific drug. Think about a state of affairs the place a person ceases tizanidine use 5 days previous to a scheduled drug check. If a regular urine check is carried out, the chance of detection is minimal. Nevertheless, if a specialised check with a better sensitivity is used throughout the first three days after cessation, the probabilities of detection improve. This highlights the interaction between the timing of the check, the sensitivity of the assay, and particular person physiological elements.
In abstract, detection window variance is a important determinant of whether or not tizanidine will seem in a drug check. Its impression is moderated by a posh interaction of things, together with particular person metabolism, dosage, testing methodology, and the kind of organic pattern analyzed. Understanding these elements is crucial for decoding drug check outcomes precisely and for making knowledgeable selections relating to testing protocols. The sensible significance lies in recognizing {that a} unfavorable consequence doesn’t essentially point out the absence of tizanidine use, notably if testing happens exterior the related detection window. Due to this fact, cautious consideration of those variables is paramount for guaranteeing the validity and reliability of drug testing procedures.
6. Prescription disclosure issues
The disclosure of prescription medicines, together with tizanidine, is a important side of correct drug check interpretation. Transparency relating to treatment use mitigates the danger of misinterpreting check outcomes and potential authorized or skilled repercussions. Failure to reveal prescribed medicines can result in unwarranted suspicion and inaccurate assessments.
-
Avoiding False Positives
Whereas normal drug exams don’t routinely display screen for tizanidine, the opportunity of false positives exists on account of cross-reactivity with different substances. Disclosing prescription use permits Medical Overview Officers (MROs) to contemplate potential interferences and order confirmatory testing, equivalent to GC-MS or LC-MS, to confirm preliminary outcomes. Omitting this info could lead to inaccurate conclusions primarily based on preliminary screening information, doubtlessly resulting in unjust penalties.
-
Guaranteeing Correct Interpretation
Even when tizanidine itself will not be the goal of the drug display screen, its presence can affect the interpretation of different outcomes. Sure medicines can have an effect on metabolic processes or work together with assay reagents, impacting the accuracy of your entire check panel. Offering a complete record of medicines ensures that MROs have a whole image of a person’s physiological state, enabling extra knowledgeable and exact evaluation.
-
Authorized and Skilled Compliance
Many employers and regulatory our bodies require people present process drug testing to reveal all prescription medicines. Failure to adjust to these necessities could be construed as a violation of coverage, doubtlessly resulting in disciplinary motion or authorized ramifications. Proactive disclosure demonstrates transparency and adherence to established protocols, defending people from potential accusations of dishonesty or concealment.
-
Facilitating Medical Overview
Medical Overview Officers play a significant function within the drug testing course of, reviewing outcomes and speaking with people to assemble related info. Disclosing prescription use facilitates this overview, permitting MROs to evaluate the legitimacy of any constructive findings and rule out non-illicit explanations. This course of ensures equity and accuracy, safeguarding people from undue hurt or misjudgment primarily based on incomplete or inaccurate info.
In conclusion, the disclosure of prescription medicines like tizanidine is paramount within the context of drug testing. It serves to stop false positives, guarantee correct interpretation, keep authorized {and professional} compliance, and facilitate thorough medical overview. By prioritizing transparency and offering full info, people can shield themselves from potential misunderstandings and guarantee truthful and equitable evaluation of drug check outcomes.
7. Authorized ramifications impression
The potential for tizanidine to look in a drug check carries vital authorized ramifications, depending on numerous elements together with jurisdiction, employment contracts, and particular testing protocols. Understanding these authorized implications is essential for each people prescribed tizanidine and organizations administering drug exams.
-
Employment Agreements and Office Insurance policies
Many employment agreements comprise clauses relating to drug testing, outlining penalties for constructive outcomes. Whereas normal drug exams could not detect tizanidine, an employer requiring a specialised check may uncover its presence. The authorized impression varies; some insurance policies could permit for prescription disclosure with out penalty, whereas others would possibly result in disciplinary motion, particularly if the worker didn’t disclose the treatment beforehand. Authorized challenges can come up if the employer’s drug testing coverage doesn’t clearly outline the substances screened for or present a mechanism for workers to reveal respectable prescriptions.
-
Custody and Household Legislation Disputes
In custody battles or household regulation proceedings, drug testing is usually ordered to evaluate parental health. If a specialised check reveals tizanidine, the authorized implications depend upon the context and the presiding courtroom’s interpretation. A constructive consequence may increase considerations in regards to the particular person’s means to care for a kid, notably if the treatment was not disclosed or if there are questions on its correct use. Authorized counsel turns into important to current the prescription and clarify its therapeutic goal, mitigating potential unfavorable perceptions.
-
Probation and Parole Circumstances
People on probation or parole are sometimes topic to drug testing as a situation of their launch. These exams sometimes goal illicit substances, but when a specialised check is performed, tizanidine could possibly be detected. Failure to reveal the prescription or get hold of prior authorization from the supervising officer may represent a violation of probation or parole, resulting in incarceration or different penalties. Authorized illustration is important to exhibit that the treatment was legally prescribed and used for respectable medical functions.
-
Division of Transportation (DOT) Laws
For people in safety-sensitive positions regulated by the DOT, drug testing is obligatory. Whereas normal DOT drug exams don’t embody tizanidine, any deviation from normal protocols or particular employer necessities may lead to its detection. Non-disclosure or unauthorized use of tizanidine may result in removing from safety-sensitive duties, fines, or different authorized penalties. Compliance with DOT rules and transparency relating to prescription medicines are paramount in these conditions.
The authorized ramifications stemming from the potential detection of tizanidine underscore the significance of clear communication, adherence to established protocols, and authorized counsel when mandatory. Misunderstandings or misinterpretations of drug check outcomes can have far-reaching penalties, emphasizing the necessity for each people and organizations to grasp the authorized panorama surrounding drug testing and prescription treatment use.
8. Penalties of inaccurate outcomes
The integrity of drug check outcomes is paramount, given the potential for vital repercussions arising from inaccurate findings. Within the context of whether or not tizanidine will likely be detected in a drug check, the implications of false positives or false negatives can vary from skilled setbacks to authorized issues. Due to this fact, understanding the implications of inaccurate outcomes is crucial.
-
Employment Termination or Denial
A false constructive for tizanidine, or a misinterpretation of its presence if specialised testing is carried out, may result in unjust termination or denial of employment alternatives. Employers counting on inaccurate check outcomes could understand a person as non-compliant with firm insurance policies or security rules, leading to hostile employment actions. This consequence can have profound monetary and reputational penalties for the affected person.
-
Harm to Skilled Popularity
Inaccurate drug check outcomes can irreparably hurt a person’s skilled standing. A false constructive, even when finally corrected, can create a long-lasting stigma, notably in fields the place public belief and integrity are extremely valued. The dissemination of inaccurate info, even inside a restricted skilled circle, can erode confidence and hinder profession development.
-
Authorized and Custodial Implications
Inaccurate drug check outcomes can affect authorized proceedings, together with custody disputes and probation hearings. A false constructive for tizanidine, or a misrepresentation of its use, may impression judicial selections relating to parental rights or parole circumstances. Such errors can have devastating penalties for households and people concerned within the authorized system, doubtlessly resulting in unjust outcomes.
-
Medical Mismanagement
Whereas much less direct, inaccurate drug check outcomes may not directly have an effect on medical care. If a doctor depends on a false constructive or unfavorable consequence when making remedy selections, it may result in inappropriate or ineffective medical interventions. Such mismanagement can compromise affected person security and well-being, highlighting the significance of correct and dependable diagnostic info.
The potential for inaccurate drug check outcomes underscores the significance of rigorous testing protocols, confirmatory testing procedures, and clear communication relating to prescription treatment use. The results of such errors could be far-reaching and devastating, emphasizing the necessity for accuracy, equity, and accountability in all points of drug testing procedures. Understanding the particular circumstances below which tizanidine is likely to be detected, and the potential for misinterpretation, is important for mitigating these dangers.
Continuously Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent queries relating to the detection of tizanidine in drug screening processes, offering readability on numerous testing eventualities and potential outcomes.
Query 1: Is tizanidine routinely screened for in normal drug check panels?
Customary drug check panels sometimes don’t embody tizanidine. These panels are designed to detect generally abused substances equivalent to opioids, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Tizanidine, a muscle relaxant, falls exterior these classes.
Query 2: Below what circumstances would possibly a drug check particularly goal tizanidine?
A drug check could particularly goal tizanidine if there’s a scientific or authorized cause to establish its presence. This will happen in instances involving staff’ compensation claims, particular employment necessities, or forensic investigations the place information of tizanidine use is related.
Query 3: What kind of drug check is important to detect tizanidine?
Specialised testing strategies are required to detect tizanidine. Gasoline chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) are generally used to substantiate the presence and focus of tizanidine in organic samples.
Query 4: Can different substances trigger a false constructive for tizanidine?
Whereas no substances are definitively identified to cross-react with tizanidine assays, the potential for false positives exists on account of structural similarities between compounds. Affirmation testing utilizing GC-MS or LC-MS is crucial to rule out false positives.
Query 5: How lengthy can tizanidine be detected in urine?
On account of its comparatively brief half-life, tizanidine is usually detectable in urine for about 1 to three days after the final dose. This detection window could differ relying on particular person metabolism, dosage, and testing sensitivity.
Query 6: What steps must be taken if prescribed tizanidine and required to endure drug testing?
People prescribed tizanidine ought to proactively disclose their treatment use to the testing facility and the Medical Overview Officer (MRO). Offering proof of prescription can stop misinterpretation of check outcomes and potential authorized or skilled repercussions.
The knowledge offered clarifies the circumstances surrounding the detection of tizanidine in drug exams, emphasizing the significance of specialised testing and clear communication.
The following part will present a complete abstract encapsulating the important thing points mentioned inside this discourse.
Navigating Tizanidine and Drug Testing
This part outlines important steerage for people prescribed tizanidine who could also be topic to drug testing. Adherence to those factors can mitigate potential issues and guarantee correct interpretation of outcomes.
Tip 1: Disclose Prescription Use Proactively: Previous to present process any drug check, inform the testing facility and the Medical Overview Officer (MRO) in regards to the tizanidine prescription. Present documentation, equivalent to a prescription label or a letter from the prescribing doctor, to substantiate the treatment use. This disclosure is essential to keep away from misinterpretation of check outcomes.
Tip 2: Perceive the Testing Protocol: Inquire in regards to the particular substances included within the drug check panel. If involved that the check could goal tizanidine, verify whether or not specialised testing is being employed. This info empowers people to anticipate potential outcomes and put together accordingly.
Tip 3: Keep Correct Medical Data: Hold a complete report of all medicines, together with tizanidine, dosages, and prescribing physicians. These information can function priceless documentation within the occasion of a constructive check consequence and subsequent overview.
Tip 4: Request Affirmation Testing When Vital: If a preliminary drug check yields a constructive consequence for tizanidine or a associated substance, request confirmatory testing utilizing fuel chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). These strategies present definitive identification and quantification, mitigating the danger of false positives.
Tip 5: Search Authorized Counsel if Problems Come up: If the drug check outcomes result in hostile penalties, equivalent to employment termination or authorized motion, seek the advice of with an legal professional skilled in drug testing and employment regulation. Authorized counsel can advocate for particular person rights and guarantee truthful remedy.
Tip 6: Be Conscious of Detection Home windows: Perceive that the detection window for tizanidine in urine is comparatively brief, sometimes 1-3 days. Timing the drug check exterior of this window could scale back the chance of detection, however shouldn’t be used as a method of circumventing respectable testing necessities.
The following pointers underscore the importance of transparency, knowledgeable decision-making, and entry to dependable info when navigating the complexities of drug testing whereas taking tizanidine. Prioritizing these issues promotes accuracy and equity within the testing course of.
As we strategy the conclusion, we are going to summarize the important ideas and implications mentioned all through this discourse, providing a complete perspective on whether or not tizanidine will seem in a drug check.
Conclusion
This exploration has addressed the central query: Will tizanidine present up in a drug check? The investigation confirms that normal drug screening panels usually don’t embody tizanidine. Detection requires specialised testing strategies equivalent to GC-MS or LC-MS, prompted by particular scientific or authorized wants. The potential for false positives, influenced by metabolism and particular person physiology, underscores the significance of prescription disclosure and confirmatory testing. Authorized ramifications {and professional} penalties necessitate transparency and adherence to established protocols.
The knowledge offered goals to foster knowledgeable decision-making for each people prescribed tizanidine and organizations conducting drug exams. Correct check interpretation, facilitated by open communication and consciousness of testing limitations, is important for upholding equity and stopping unintended hostile outcomes. Continued vigilance and adherence to greatest practices stay paramount in navigating the complexities of drug testing and prescription treatment use.