Oxycodone is an opioid medication commonly prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. It acts on the mu opioid receptor in the brain, blocking the perception of pain. However, due to its potential for abuse and addiction, oxycodone is classified as a federal controlled substance (C-II).
The half-life of oxycodone is typically around 3.5 to 5.5 hours. This means that the active drug is cleared from the bloodstream and excreted from the body in about 20 hours. However, this is just the average time it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated, and the remaining metabolites can still be detectable in the body for longer periods.
The duration of oxycodone in the body also depends on several factors, including:
- The amount of drug taken.
- How frequently the drug is used.
- The individual's age, weight, and overall health.
- Liver and kidney function.
- The presence of other medications that may affect drug metabolism, such as macrolide antibiotics or protease inhibitors.
Oxycodone is detectable in urine for up to three to four days after the last dose. It can also be found in hair, which can retain the drug for up to 90 days. Blood tests typically detect oxycodone for one day after the latest use, and it can be detected in saliva for up to four days post-ingestion. The presence of these metabolites in hair samples is particularly relevant for workplace drug testing, as hair tests can detect drugs over longer periods., oxycodone can be detected in various body fluids and tissues for days to weeks after the last dose. The specific detection time frame is influenced by several individual factors. Understanding the half-life of oxycodone and the various factors that affect its detection in the body can help users better manage their medication and avoid unwanted consequences from drug testing.