Oxycodone Detection Time – How Long Does Oxycodone Stay In Your System?

Medically reviewed by

Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BC

February 11, 2019

Oxycodone is detectable in the system for anywhere from a day to four days after the last use. The exact amount of time it is detectable will depend on a number of personal factors.

Oxycodone is a prescription opiate that is given to help with moderate to severe pain. This drug is usually prescribed after other pain medications have been tried and failed to alleviate pain. It may also be prescribed after an injury, surgery, or trauma.

Brand names for oxycodone include the following:

• Roxycodone
• Oxy IR
• OxyContin CR
• Roxybond
• Oxaydo
• Xtampza ER

Oxycodone is also available as a combination with other drugs such as acetaminophen and aspirin.

Oxycodone comes from the poppy plant and acts on the opioid receptors in the brain, stopping the sensation of pain. This drug influences the pleasure neurotransmitters in the brain, which means that it can be highly addictive.

Variables That Can Affect How Long The Drug Is Detectable In The System

A number of factors can contribute to how long oxycodone is detectable in someone’s system. A few of these factors include:

Health

Someone in good health will metabolize oxycodone faster than someone who is not in good health. The kidneys and liver are responsible for breaking down this drug. Problems with these organs can result in an increased detection time of oxycodone in the system.

Age

Studies have shown that the presence of oxycodone in the body is 15 percent higher in older people than in young adults. This means that it may take longer for older people to metabolize the drug.

Frequency Taken

The longer someone has been taking oxycodone, the higher amount of the drug will be found in the system. Taking oxycodone for an extended period of time can lead to a buildup of the drug in the body.

Taking With Other Medications

Drugs such as antibiotics, antifungal agents, and protease inhibitors can make it more difficult for the body to metabolize oxycodone. Mixing these substances can also have serious side effects including respiratory depression.

Mixing With Alcohol

Taking oxycodone with alcohol can result in increased effects of oxycodone and a higher percentage of the drug in the system. It is also dangerous to mix these two substances and can result in overdose or death.

Weight And Height

Body weight, as well as someone’s height, can play a role in how quickly oxycodone is metabolized. The more oxycodone a person takes in comparison with his or her height and weight, the longer it will be detectable in the system.

Urine pH

Oxycodone is primarily eliminated through the urine. Having a more alkaline urine pH can result in a slower elimination of oxycodone through the urine.

Oxycodone Detection Time By Test

Whether oxycodone will show up on a drug test will also depend on what type of test is used. There are several different drug tests available. A urine test is the most common drug test used.

• Urine — up to four days after the last dose is taken
• Blood — up to a day after taking oxycodone
• Hair — oxycodone can be detected in the hair follicles for up to 90 days
• Saliva — roughly one to four days after the last dose is taken

Stress And Consequences Of Too Much Oxycodone In The Body

Someone taking oxycodone may want to know how long it will stay in their system. Having too much oxycodone in the body at once can have a number of negative side effects including the risk of overdose.

Symptoms of too much oxycodone in the system include:

• vomiting
• constipation
• nausea
• low blood pressure
• low pulse
• fatigue
• breathing trouble
• pinpoint pupils

An oxycodone overdose can be dangerous and even deadly. If you suspect that someone has overdosed, seek medical attention immediately.

Why Someone May Test For Opioids

If you are prescribed oxycodone for pain, your doctor may require you to take a drug test before refilling your prescription. This is to ensure that the drug is not being abused. Additionally, people may be required to take a drug test before being hired for a new job.

Opioid Abuse, Addiction, And Treatment Recovery Services

If someone is concerned about testing positive for oxycodone, he or she may be struggling with an addiction to the drug. People who abuse this drug are more likely to have a positive drug test.

To overcome an addiction to oxycodone, a formal addiction treatment program may be needed. Oxycodone is a highly addictive substance that is only intended for temporary use. The more a person takes oxycodone, the higher the chances of physical dependence and the harder it will be to quit.

Inpatient addiction treatment programs are one of the most effective ways to overcome an addiction to oxycodone. Most inpatient programs offer individualized treatment plans to cater to each patient’s unique needs and condition.

To learn more about oxycodone detection times and treatment options for oxycodone addiction, contact us today.