Oxycodone typically stays in the blood for up to 24 hours, and it can be detected in urine for one to four days. Everyone processes it at different rates, and there are many factors that affect each person’s experience. Knowing how quickly your body processes oxycodone can help your provider determine the right dosage amount and how quickly you should taper your dose if you want to reduce it or stop taking it. It can also help you estimate your timeline of withdrawal symptoms if you should stop taking it abruptly. The testing method, your metabolism, and your age can all influence the detection of oxycodone.
Oxycodone is an opioid pain medication that may be prescribed for acute or chronic pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments. It creates a chemical dependency when used consistently, and it’s addictive. You may be tested for opioids like oxycodone for your job, before a medical procedure, or when starting treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). If you have a prescription, let the test provider know.
In this article, we’ll talk about how long it takes your body to eliminate oxycodone, the time frames of different detection methods, and other factors that can come into play.
The science behind oxycodone elimination
After oxycodone is absorbed into the blood, it’s broken down by the liver into smaller molecules called metabolites. Primarily, it breaks down into noroxycodone and oxymorphone. Most of the original dose is then filtered out by the kidneys and eliminated in your urine.
Oxycodone has a half-life of three to five hours, which refers to the amount of time it takes to reduce the amount of the medication in your blood by 50%. You may feel the effects of oxycodone for three to six hours for the standard formula or 12 hours for extended release. Most medications take four to five half-lives to diminish to undetectable amounts in the blood. This is where the calculation of 24 hours comes from.
Main detection time frame
Different companies and care providers may use different opioid screening panels and testing methods. The detection window for oxycodone and the sensitivity of the test will depend on the type of drug test you take. A general opioid panel may not detect oxycodone unless it contains an oxycodone-specific immunoassay.
Urine testing is the most common screening method. Blood tests are mostly used in emergency situations. Saliva tests are less common but growing in popularity. Hair follicle testing should only be used to check for long-term abstinence.
The following is a breakdown of the detection windows for different oxycodone testing methods:
- Urine testing — Up to four days or more for chronic users
- Blood testing — Up to 24 hours
- Saliva testing — Up to four days
- Hair testing — Up to three months
Factors that affect elimination time
The time it takes your body to eliminate oxycodone from your system will be different from another person’s experience. Some of your personal factors have to do with your body and your age, and these may be impossible to change. Other factors, like your hydration level and health status, may be improved with lifestyle changes.
Personal factors
Your metabolism and your age are two of the biggest factors that affect the speed of oxycodone elimination. Genetics also plays an important role. One study found that the half-life was up to 30% longer in people with advanced age. The liver and kidneys filter the blood, so their health can impact your elimination time. Drinking plenty of water can help support liver and kidney function. People assigned female at birth may be more likely to retain certain drugs in their bodies longer than those assigned male at birth. However, there aren’t conclusive clinical tests that confirm this is true for opioids.
The following personal factors can affect oxycodone elimination:
- Age and metabolism rate
- Body weight and composition
- Liver and kidney function
- Hydration levels
- Overall health
Usage patterns
The amount of oxycodone you’ve taken and your use of it over time can affect elimination and detection. For instance, if you’ve only taken one or two doses, you may have a negative urine test after three days. If you’ve been taking it consistently, it may show up on a urine test up to four days after your last dose. Immediate-release oxycodone is eliminated faster than extended-release formulas.
These usage factors may affect oxycodone elimination:
- Dosage amount
- Frequency of use
- Duration of use
- Immediate release vs. extended release
False positives
Other medications and foods containing poppy seeds can cause false positives on opioid screens. Quinolone antibiotics and rifampin can both cause false positives, which are used to treat bacterial infections. Let the test provider know about all medications you’re taking so they can use the most accurate testing methods.
Employers don’t typically test for medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). If you have a valid prescription, you shouldn’t be penalized for taking that medication. Suboxone won’t show up on drug tests that don’t specifically screen for it. Unless a drug test’s panel includes Suboxone’s active ingredient of buprenorphine, the prescription medication won’t be picked up.
Transitioning from oxycodone to MOUD
Eliminating oxycodone from the body or transitioning to MOUD is often a critical step in early recovery. Detoxification used to be the first-line treatment. However, without any medication, people are more likely to use again. Some studies report up to 90% of people using again after detox without other forms of treatment. MOUD such as Suboxone are used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD).
Whatever methods you plan to use, you should talk with your prescriber or create a recovery plan with someone who has experience treating OUD. You’ll need to decide how you’ll manage withdrawal symptoms and what support you’ll need during the process.
Your plan for safely stopping oxycodone use may include::
- Asking your prescriber how to safely taper off your medication
- Creating a detox plan with an experienced provider
- Seeking a prescription for MOUD
- Seeking social support
- Finding a comprehensive recovery program that supports your goals
Important considerations for recovery
Recovery is about much more than ending opioid use. Using a medication like Suboxone means you technically still have an opioid in your system. However, it doesn’t cause the same type of mental or physical addiction as a drug like oxycodone. It also won’t show up on a standard opioid panel. Keeping oxycodone out of your system may be important for life goals such as finding a job and maintaining steady employment. Certain positions and industries require drug testing more than others.
To transition to MOUD, you only need to stop taking opioids long enough to experience moderate withdrawal symptoms. This doesn’t mean you need to totally get the oxycodone out of your system. The clinical opiate withdrawal scale (COWS) is used to measure withdrawal symptoms during this process. You should always work with a provider who’s qualified to prescribe MOUD.
Opioid testing is a standard part of treatment for OUD. At Groups, we ask that our members take a weekly urine screen. Our providers use these tests to better understand where you are in your treatment process. We don’t shame people or kick them out for a positive test. We understand that using again is often a part of the recovery process. Our goal is to create a safe, compassionate space for open conversation without judgment — which in turn leads to better recovery outcomes.
Groups offers compassionate support for ending oxycodone use
The time it takes to get oxycodone out of your system will depend on how long you’ve been using it, your metabolism, your age, and your physical health. For most people, it’s around one to four days. However, it stays detectable in your hair follicles for much longer — around 90 days. Most people who want to stop using opioids are able to do so with proper support. If your goal is to safely stop using oxycodone, there is hope that you can do it.
The best way to get oxycodone out of your system or stop using it will also be unique to your goals, your health, and your life situation. You’ll likely need support, and it may involve tapering down your dose, creating a detox plan, or taking MOUD. If you have a prescription for oxycodone, talk with your provider first. If your opioid use has gotten in the way of your life activities, you may benefit from a comprehensive recovery program.
Ready to begin your recovery from oxycodone use? Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today at 888-858-1723.
We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups does not offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
