Oxycodone is a prescribed opioid medication that is used to treat acute or chronic pain of moderate to severe levels. It is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and addiction, and it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. Understanding the duration and elimination times of oxycodone can impact drug testing, safe drug use, and managing withdrawal.
Many factors impact how long oxycodone stays in the system, including the type, amount, and frequency of oxycodone use, along with factors such as age and weight.
- Oxycodone is a strong opioid painkiller that is available by prescription for moderate to severe pain.
- Oxycodone can remain detectable in drug tests for up to four days, depending on the method of testing, although it can remain in hair samples for up to 90 days.
- Withdrawing from oxycodone can be dangerous without gradual tapering and professional support.
Oxycodone half-life: How long it takes to leave the body
Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic, prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain that is acute or chronic. Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance, as it is widely misused for its effects and is highly addictive.[1]
Oxycodone is available in tablets, capsules, and oral liquid solutions and as a combination product with acetaminophen or aspirin. Tablets are available in strengths ranging from 5 mg to 80 mg in immediate-release or extended-release formulations. Extended-release oxycodone is approved for chronic pain management requiring round-the-clock treatment. A typical adult dose is 2.5 mg to 15 mg every four to six hours.[1]
Oxycodone is mostly metabolized by the liver. Its half-life is around three hours, although extended-release oxycodone has a half-life of 12 hours. This means that half of the drug is eliminated within this time. Complete elimination tends to occur within five half-lives, meaning that oxycodone is eliminated within several days.[2]
Duration of oxycodone effects
The pain-relieving effects of oxycodone emerge within an hour of administration, and it reaches stable plasma levels after around 24 hours.[2]
The effects of immediate-release oxycodone last for three to six hours, and extended-release oxycodone lasts for 12 hours. Because of this, immediate-release oxycodone is usually taken every four to six hours, while extended-release is taken twice per day, or every 12 hours.[2][3]
Oxycodone detection in drug tests
Oxycodone can be eliminated from the body within a few days, during which time it can be detectable in various tests, including urine, blood, or saliva tests. Extended-release oxycodone is detectable in these tests for longer than immediate-release oxycodone.[4]
Oxycodone is not a routine component of all drug tests, although it may be included in urine drug tests for certain employment requirements.
| Type of test | Detectable from | Detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | 1-3 hours after use | Up to 4 days |
| Blood | 15 minutes after use | Up to 24 hours |
| Saliva | Minutes after use | Up to 2 days |
| Hair | Any | Up to 90 days |
Urine testing
Oxycodone can be detected in urine within 1-3 hours and continues to be detectable for up to four days.[4]
Blood testing
Oxycodone can be detected in the blood within 15 minutes of use and only continues to be detectable via this method for 24 hours.[4]
Saliva testing
Oxycodone can be detected in saliva within minutes of administration and remains detectable for up to 48 hours.[4]
Hair testing
Oxycodone can be detected in hair for up to 90 days, although this is not a standard testing procedure.[4]
Variables influencing oxycodone metabolization and clearance
Oxycodone clearance and detection windows can vary from person to person and may depend on several factors, including:[1][4][5]
- Liver function: As oxycodone is mostly metabolized by the liver, people with liver issues may metabolize the drug more slowly, meaning that it is detectable for longer.
- Dosage
- Frequency of use
- Weight
- Age
- Other drug or medication use
- Physical health conditions
Ceasing oxycodone safely: Withdrawal and tapering
It is unsafe to abruptly stop taking oxycodone, especially if it has been used in high doses for a prolonged period, as this is likely to cause severe withdrawal symptoms.[6]
If oxycodone is being used as prescribed and it is advisable to discontinue treatment, the prescribing doctor will provide a gradual taper, slowly reducing the dosage before complete discontinuation. This will help prevent withdrawal symptoms, as oxycodone withdrawal can be severe.[6]
A safe tapering schedule will vary depending on individual circumstances, including the amount and duration of oxycodone use. Often, it will involve dose reductions of 10-50% every few days to a few weeks, with close monitoring for withdrawal symptoms within this time. Withdrawal symptoms can be managed or treated, and dose reductions can be slowed if necessary. [1]
People with oxycodone dependence or addiction may benefit from professional support and advice when reducing and stopping use. This may include utilizing specialist services to ensure safe withdrawal, therapeutic treatment to help manage behaviors, or replacement medications.
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