Oxycodone is a powerful opioid pain reliever that is often prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. However, it is also a highly addictive drug, and people who use it can quickly become dependent on it. One of the questions that people who use oxycodone may have is how long the drug stays in their system. In this blog, we will explore the factors that affect how long oxycodone stays in the body and provide information on the different drug tests that can detect it.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a synthetic opioid that is derived from thebaine, a chemical found in the opium poppy. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Oxycodone is prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain, and it is often used to treat pain from cancer, surgery, and other medical conditions.
How Long Does Oxycodone Stay in Your System?
The length of time that oxycodone stays in your system depends on several factors, including the dose you take, how often you take it, your age, your weight, your liver and kidney function, and the type of drug test being used. In general, oxycodone can be detected in the body for up to three days after the last dose.
Urine Test:
Urine tests are the most common way to detect oxycodone in the body. The drug can be detected in urine for up to three days after the last dose. However, in some cases, it can be detected for up to four days or longer, depending on the amount of the drug taken.
Blood Test:
Oxycodone can be detected in the blood for up to 24 hours after the last dose. However, if a person has been taking the drug for an extended period, it may be detectable in the blood for up to three days.
Saliva Test:
Oxycodone can be detected in saliva for up to four days after the last dose. However, it is important to note that saliva tests are not as reliable as urine or blood tests.
Hair Test:
Hair tests can detect oxycodone for up to 90 days after the last dose. However, hair tests are not commonly used to detect oxycodone use.
Factors Affecting How Long Oxycodone Stays in Your System:
There are several factors that can affect how long oxycodone stays in your system. These include:
- Dosage:
The higher the dose of oxycodone taken, the longer it will stay in the body.
- Frequency of Use:
People who take oxycodone more frequently are more likely to have the drug stay in their system for a longer period.
- Age:
As people age, their liver and kidney function may decrease, which can affect how long oxycodone stays in their system.
- Weight:
People who are overweight or obese may metabolize oxycodone more slowly, which can result in the drug staying in their system for a longer period.
- Liver and Kidney Function:
The liver and kidneys are responsible for metabolizing and eliminating drugs from the body. If a person has liver or kidney disease, it can affect how long oxycodone stays in their system.
- Type of Drug Test:
Different drug tests have different detection windows for oxycodone. Urine tests are the most common way to detect the drug, and it can be detected in urine for up to three days after the last dose.
Conclusion:
Oxycodone is a powerful opioid pain reliever that is often prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. However, it is also a highly addictive drug that can cause dependence and addiction. The length of time that oxycodone stays in your system depends on several factors, including the dose taken, frequency of use, age, weight, liver and kidney function, and the type of drug test being used. Urine tests are the most common way to detect oxycodone in the body, and it can be detected in urine for up to three days after the last dose. Other tests, such as blood and saliva tests, have shorter detection windows, while hair tests can detect oxycodone use for up to 90 days. It is important to understand how long oxycodone stays in your system to avoid dependence and addiction.
