How long does oxycodone stay in your system?

Here, we review everything you need to know about the time frame for oxycodone drug testings and detection. We also review the possibilities for oxycodone addiction and what you can do if you need help with oxycodone addiction. Then, we welcome your questions about oxycodone or how to quit taking oxycodone at the end.

How do you take oxycodone?

Oxycodone comes as a liquid solution, concentrated solution, tablet, capsule, and extended-release tablet to take by mouth. Most doses of oxycodone are usually taken with or without food every 4 to 6 hours, either as needed for pain or as regularly scheduled medications. The extended-release tablets are taken every 12 hours. Extended-release tablets are supposed to be swallowed one at a time with plenty of water. The oxycodone concentrated solution is mixed with at least 1 ounce (30 milliliters) of juice or other liquid, or with a semi-solid food such as applesauce or pudding.

Usually, doctors start by prescribing lower doses of oxycodone and then increase this dose over time if the pain is still not under control.  This is to minimize some of the addictive qualities of oxycodone. However, after you taking oxycodone for a period of time, the body may become used to the medication, which means that an oxycodone tolerance has developed. This is the same reason withdrawal symptoms may appear after abrupt interruption of the drug administration. Restlessness, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, yawning, sweating are just a small part of the long list of symptoms.  On the other hand, oxycodone abuse is defined by crushing the pills, snorting or injecting the powder, taking bigger doses and/or taking oxycodone more often than prescribed.

Main oxycodone uses

Oxycodone is used to relieve moderate to severe acute or chronic pain. It belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics. Controlled-release oral tablet of oxycodone are indicated for cancer and other chronic pains and intended to be taken every 12 hours. In this way, oxycodone considered to be the next best option for cancer pain after morphine.

Peak levels and half life of oxycodone

Peak levels for oxycodone vary for different individuals, mostly due to the body weight, drug abuse history, age of course and slightly gender. On average, after taking a regular release pill with oral administration of 0,28mg/kg, the peak level would be reached at 1 hour. The half-life in this case would be 5 hours.

Oxycodone drug testing: How long does oxycodone stay in the body?

Because oxycodone is a synthetic drug there are special types of drug tests for oxycodone called “Extended Opioids” tests. These tests can detect oxycodone concentrations up to four (4) days after administration, depending on the kind of sample being tested.

How long does oxycodone stay in blood?

Oxycodone blood concentrations are detectible up to 24 hours after the administration. Oxycodone and its major metabolites are measured in blood to monitor for clearance, abuse, to confirm a diagnosis of poisoning, or to assist in a death investigation.

How long does oxycodone stay in hair?

As with any other drug, a single human hair does not provide information about the current presence of drugs in the body. However it has pretty big time window, providing evidence for precise amounts of drug use and approximate timing of consumption in the last 90 days (or longer).

How long does oxycodone stay in urine?

Oxycodone and its metabolites are mainly excreted in the urine and sweat. Therefore, oxycodone accumulates in patients with renal impairment. Urine sample, tested for oxycodone, will show positive even 3- 4 days after the administration.

How long does oxycodone stay in saliva or sweat?

A saliva sample is the most commonly used, non-invasive route for a quick, spot-check drug test. This sample can give information about oxycodone use from 1 to 4 days after the administration.

Oxycodone and addiction

Although oxycodone is a very effective painkiller with lots of legitimate uses, it is also is highly addictive. When abused, Oxycodone can produce a heroin-like high and it is classed as an “opiate”.

Problems with oxycodone?

Do you think you have a problem with oxycodone? Please leave us you questions in the comments section below. We will do our best in providing you with a personal, accurate and prompt answer.

Reference Sources: Medline Plus: Oxycodone
National Library of Medicine: Observations on the urine metabolic ratio of oxymorphone to oxycodone in pain patients
National Institute of Health: Drug Information Portal: Oxycodone