How Long Does OxyContin Stay In Your System?

OxyContin is the brand name for the synthetic opioid analgesic oxycodone. It’s typically used to treat severe pain and chronic pain in people who need around-the-clock pain relief and are not helped by other forms of medication.  Oxycodone is also found in other prescription drugs like Percocet and Roxicet.

How long OxyContin stays in your system depends on many factors including age, weight, and metabolism.

OxyContin Drug Tests & Detection Times

Even though oxycodone may not be present in the body, it metabolizes into its metabolites noroxycodone, oxymorphone, and oxymorphol. It is these which can linger after the original oxycodone has exited the system, and metabolites are what’s detected on a drug test.

However, different drug tests have different detection windows. Some can detect oxycodone for longer periods than others.

How Long Does OxyContin Stay In Your Urine?

Oxycodone can be detected in the urine for 3-4 days after the last dose.

How Long Does OxyContin Stay In Your Blood?

Oxycodone can be detected in the blood for only 24 hours after the last use.

How Long Does OxyContin Stay In Your Saliva?

Oxycodone can be detected in saliva for up to 48 hours (2 days) after the last dose.

How Long Does OxyContin Stay In Your Hair?

Like most opioids, oxycodone can be detected in the hair for up to 90 days after the last use. But the strand of hair used for the test needs to include the follicle or the test doesn’t work. 

Factors Influencing OxyContin Detection Time

There are quite a few factors that can change how long oxycodone stays in the system and when it can be detected by a drug test. 

Some of these factors include:

• method of ingestion: orally, snorting, injecting, etc.
• your metabolism rate
• body mass and weight
• health of the liver and kidneys
• age
• frequency of prescription opioid use
• gender
• average dose of oxycodone

How OxyContin Works

OxyContin works by changing the way the brain and the central nervous system respond to pain It binds to the opioid receptors in the brain and affects how pain signals are sent from the body to the brain. 

The drug also slows down the central nervous system and that slows breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure as well.

Other opioid drugs that work similarly include hydrocodone, fentanyl, and methadone.

How Long Does Oxycodone Last?

Since OxyContin is the extended-release form of oxycodone, it takes a while to go into full effect. It can take approximately 3-4 hours to reach peak concentration in the bloodstream. 

As for how long the prescription drug takes to wear off, it usually takes about 24 hours before it stops fully working.

Half-Life Of Oxycodone

The half-life of a drug is the length of time it takes for half a dose to exit the system. 

OxyContin’s half-life is between 4.5 and 5.6, which means it can take from 20-24 hours for the drug to fully leave your system. How long it actually takes also depends on genetics, overall health, and weight.

OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms

OxyContin is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means it has a high potential for abuse, and you may build up a psychological and physical dependence.

After a physical dependence develops, OxyContin withdrawal symptoms like cravings and restlessness may occur. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be serious, which is why it’s recommended you seek medical advice from your healthcare provider before discontinuation.

If you or a loved one live with oxycodone addiction or other forms of opiate abuse, our inpatient treatment center can help address both mental health and substance use. 

For information on our addiction treatment options, including medical detox and evidence-based treatment programs, please contact us today.