How Long is Hydrocodone Detectable in Urine?
How long hydrocodone stays in urine depends on several factors, including how much of the drug was taken, how often it was taken, and the individual’s metabolism. Generally, hydrocodone can be detected in urine for up to four days after the last use.
However, in some cases, hydrocodone may be detectable in urine for up to eight days. If someone is taking hydrocodone regularly or in high doses, it may be detectable for even longer.
What is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is used to treat pain in opioid-tolerant people when it is severe enough to necessitate long-term, 24-hour pain management. It shouldn’t be taken if you require pain medication temporarily, such as after surgery. How long does hydrocodone stay in urine? It is for two to three days after you take it.
Use this medication not to treat minor pain. The treatment of occasional or “as required” discomfort with this medication is not advised.
Hydrocodone belongs to the narcotic analgesics group (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. Hysingla® and Zohydro® are available only under a restricted distribution program called the Opioid Analgesic REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Capsule, Extended Release
When pain in an opioid-tolerant person is severe enough to require long-term, round-the-clock pain management, hydrocodone is utilized to treat the condition. If you need pain medicine momentarily, such as after surgery, you shouldn’t use it. Use this drug only to relieve severe pain. This medicine should not be used to alleviate sporadically or “as needed” pain.
How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Urine?
Many factors can affect how long Hydrocodone stays in your urine. Your weight, health, gender, kidney function, and amount of alcohol use will all play an important role in determining how long alcohol can be detected in urine. The time that Hydrocodone will be detectable will vary for everyone; however, some basic principles will be the same for each situation.
Skip To:
- What is Hydrocodone?
- How Long can Hydrocodone be detected in Urine?
- How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Urine?
- Hydrocodone Levels in Urine
- Hydrocodone in Urine Test
- How Long is Hydrocodone Detectable in Urine
- How long does Hydrocodone Last in Urine?
- How long does it take for hydrocodone to get out of your system?
- How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Urine?
- Effects of Hydrocodone and Alcohol
- Find the right Opioid Action Treatment Plan
Learn More:
- Mixing Prescription Drugs with Alcohol
- how long do opioids stay in the system
How Long Can Hydrocodone Be Detected In Urine?
Hydrocodone is a prescription pain medication that can be detected in urine for up to 24 hours after the last dose. It can be detected in the urine of people who take it every day, but it will be more difficult to detect this drug in urine samples from people who only take it occasionally or when sick.
If you are taking hydrocodone, it’s important to remember that your urine may show traces of hydrocodone for several days after you stop taking the medication. This is because your body has adapted to the presence of the drug and is no longer excreting it in its original form; rather, it has changed into a new form that has only been found when someone takes a test.
If you take one dose every 2 days, only about 5% will be excreted over the next 24 hours. Taking Hydrocodone daily will stay in your body for up to 7 days before being excreted out of your urine.
Get Your Life Back
Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Care at the We Level Up Treatment Centers Network.
Hotline (877) 378-4154How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay In Urine?
Hydrocodone leaves the body even faster, with saliva tests only working for the first 12-36 hours after the last pill. Urine tests can detect hydrocodone for 2-4 days, and hair tests are effective for 90 days.
The length of time that hydrocodone stays in your body depends on how much hydrocodone you take, whether or not you consume alcohol or other drugs before or during taking hydrocodone, and how long it takes for the drug to enter your bloodstream after swallowing it.
The most common way people take hydrocodone is by swallowing tablets whole with water or with another drink like orange juice or soda. Once in your stomach, the drug gets absorbed into your bloodstream through the lining of your digestive tract (the GI tract) almost immediately. If you’ve taken the pills with water, they’ll absorb much faster than if you’ve taken them with food—and some drugs have a slower rate of absorption when they’re taken this way.
After absorption starts happening within a few minutes of swallowing a pill, some of it will enter your bloodstream and be distributed throughout your body’s tissues and fluids over time as time passes by (this process is called first-pass metabolism). The rest will stay.
First-class Facilities & Amenities
World-class High-Quality Addiction & Mental Health Rehabilitation Treatment
Rehab Centers TourRenowned Addiction Centers. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient rehab programs vary.
Addiction Helpline (877) 378-4154Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:
15+
Years of Unified Experience
100s
5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers
10K
Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network
- Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
- Onsite Medical Detox Center
- Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
- Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
- Coaching, Recovery & Personal Development Events
Hydrocodone Levels in Urine
Hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. This means that it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Hydrocodone is typically prescribed for pain relief, but it can also be used to treat coughs. Hydrocodone levels in urine can be measured to determine if someone has been using the drug recreationally or is taking too much medication.
Hydrocodone levels in urine are typically measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The detectable level of hydrocodone in urine is typically around 20 ng/mL. However, this can vary depending on the person’s metabolism and other factors. Hydrocodone levels can be affected by how much of the drug is taken, how often it is taken, and when it was last taken.
If someone has a high level of hydrocodone in their urine, it may indicate that they are abusing the drug. Hydrocodone abuse can lead to addiction and other serious health problems. If you are concerned that someone you know is abusing hydrocodone, it is important to talk to a doctor or other medical professional. Hydrocodone abuse is a serious problem and should not be ignored.
So, how long does hydrocodone stay in urine? Generally speaking, hydrocodone can be detected in urine for up to 4 days depending on the factors that can influence how long hydrocodone will remain in your urine, including:
- Frequency of use: More frequent hydrocodone use will likely result in a longer detection time
- Metabolism: Individual differences in metabolism can affect how quickly hydrocodone is eliminated from the body
- Age: Older individuals tend to metabolize hydrocodone more slowly than younger individuals
If you have been prescribed hydrocodone for pain relief, it is important to take the medication as directed and not exceed the recommended dosage. Misuse of hydrocodone can lead to serious health consequences, including addiction and overdose. If you are concerned about hydrocodone use, please speak with a healthcare professional for a detailed answer on how long does hydrocodone stay in urine.
World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy.
CALL (877) 378-4154End the Addiction Pain. End the Emotional Rollercoaster. Get Your Life Back. Start Drug, Alcohol & Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment Now. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Substance Abuse Specialists Who Understand Addiction & Mental Health Recovery & Know How to Help.
Hydrocodone in Urine Test
If you are being tested for hydrocodone, it is important to tell the person administering it if you have taken it within the last four days. This will ensure that the test results are accurate. Hydrocodone is a controlled substance and is subject to strict regulations. If you are found to have used the drug without a prescription, you could face legal penalties. Hydrocodone is a powerful drug and should only be used as directed by a medical professional.
How Long is Hydrocodone Detectable in Urine?
Hydrocodone can be detected in urine for up to 3 days after the last use. However, detection times may vary depending on several factors, such as how much was used, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. If you are taking hydrocodone for medical reasons and are subject to drug testing, it is important to be honest with your healthcare provider about your drug use.
The half-life of hydrocodone is 3-4 hours, which means the drug will be out of your system in about 12-24 hours. However, depending on how much was taken and how frequently it was used, traces of hydrocodone may be detectable in your system for up to a week. How long does Hydrocodone stay In Urine? It will always depend on the situation.
How Long Does Hydrocodone Last in Urine?
A common prescription for hydrocodone is to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a regulated substance. Therefore you can only get it with a legitimate prescription from a doctor. How long does hydrocodone stay in urine is up to 48 hours after the previous usage.
If a person has a higher metabolism or drinks a lot of fluids, the detection time can be shorter.
If your doctor has prescribed hydrocodone, you must follow his or her instructions. An overdose from taking too much hydrocodone can be lethal. Call 911 or go to a hospital immediately if you suspect you or someone you know may have overdosed on hydrocodone.
How long does it take for hydrocodone to get out of your system?
The pain relief effect of hydrocodone will wear off within four to six hours. But the drug may still be detected in the saliva for up to 36 hours, in urine for four days, and in the hair for 90 days after the last dose.
Hydrocodone Addiction Statistics
120 million
In 2014, doctors wrote 120 million Hydrocodone prescriptions.
Source: NIDA
7 pills per patient
After Hydrocodone (Vicodin) was moved from a Schedule III to a Schedule II substance, there was a 7 pill-per-patient prescribing rate increase in the US
Source: NCBI
12.5 million
In 2015, 12.5 million Americans used Hydrocodone the past year; 2 million were addicted to prescription Painkillers.
Source: NIAAA
Effects of Hydrocodone and Alcohol
The exceedingly dangerous combination of alcohol and hydrocodone can impair reasoning, judgment, and psychomotor abilities. Overdose deaths have reportedly occurred. Both alcohol and opioids are depressants that cause relaxation, enjoyment, respiration, heart rate alterations, and difficulties with thinking clearly or recalling events. Heart rate and breathing are the most dangerous signs. Combining two medications with these adverse effects raises the risk of fainting, stopping breathing, or dying from heart failure.
Does hydrocodone interfere with urination?
Opioids can impair your bladder’s ability to empty by interfering with proper bladder contraction.
Hydrocodone Drug Fact Sheet
Overview
Hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opioid in the United States and is associated with more drug abuse and diversion than any other licit or illicit opioid.
Street names
Hydro, Norco, Vikes
What does it look like?
Hydrocodone has a chemical structure that is related to that of codeine and morphine. Hydrocodone combination products are formulated in tablets, capsules, and syrups.
Methods of abuse
Most often, these drugs are abused by oral rather than intravenous administration.
Affect on mind
Hydrocodone, like most other opioids, induces euphoria, sedation and alters the perception of painful stimuli.
Affect on body
Hydrocodone can cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, urinary retention, and in higher amounts, depressed respiration. Long-term use can lead to dependence and addiction. Withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Drugs causing similar effects
Morphine, heroin, oxycodone, codeine, propoxyphene, fentanyl, and hydromorphone.
Overdose effects
Like other opioids, hydrocodone overdose is associated with cold and clammy skin, severely constricted pupils, and slow breathing that can lead to a loss of conscious.
Legal status in the United States
Hydrocodone is a Schedule II narcotic marketed in multi-ingredient Schedule III products. Schedule III drug products have accepted medical use in treatment and have moderate to low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
Common places of origin
A legitimate pharmaceutical, Hydrocodone is found in the illicit market, most often in tablets, capsules, and liquid form.
Tablets containing acetaminophen are the most frequently encountered products. Hydrocodone can be obtained from illicit internet sources, altered or fraudulent prescriptions, doctor-shopping, drug theft, and from friends or acquaintances.
Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.
See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.
Start a New Life
Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers various recovery programs at each treatment facility. Call to learn more.
- Personalized Care
- Caring Accountable Staff
- World-class Amenities
- Licensed & Accredited
- Renowned w/ 5-Star Reviews
We’ll Call You
Find the Right Opioid Addiction Treatment Plan
A trained addiction treatment professional is the best place to develop an opioid addiction treatment plan for yourself or a loved one. They can evaluate your needs to determine if methadone or Suboxone is a good medically assisted treatment option and develop a schedule for group therapy, individual therapy, and possibly alternative therapies. Get started on the road to recovery at We Level Up NJ.
Looking to get the answer to how long does hydrocodone stay in urine and the effects of drug use? Contact one of our treatment specialists for more information. Your call is private, and there’s no obligation.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Is Hydrocodone Addiction?
A prescription opioid painkiller known as hydrocodone is commonly given to relieve moderate to severe pain. Hydrocodone, in contrast to the natural opiates morphine and codeine, is a semi-synthetic opioid. Typically, doctors would decide to prescribe Hydrocodone (brand name Vicodin®) to manage acute pain following dental surgery or pain brought on by an injury. However, consistent usage of Hydrocodone might lead to habit formation because Opioids are very addictive. Attempting to stop using Hydrocodone will cause withdrawal symptoms after the body becomes reliant on them to feel normal. People addicted to hydrocodone should undergo detox and rehab to lessen withdrawal effects.
What is the effect of Hydrocodone on the body?
Like other opioids, hydrocodone acts by attaching to pain receptors in the brain, known as mu opioid receptors. When hydrocodone binds to these receptors, pain signals are either reduced in intensity or completely shut off. Mu Opioid receptors are also in charge of the rewarding component of drug use. This article also introduces the euphoric, feel-good effects that opioids create; these effects persuade users to take the drug once more. People frequently become aware of how reliant their bodies have gotten on the painkiller when they attempt to stop taking it or lessen how much they are taking. Opioids diminish a person’s capacity for self-control over decision-making and mood regulation after prolonged usage because of their impact on the frontal brain.
What are the types of Hydrocodone?
1. Vicodin – Each Vicodin tablet has 300 mg of Acetaminophen and comes in 3 different dosage levels of Hydrocodone: 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg. Generally, one tablet is to be taken every 4 to 6 hours, though addicts may take much higher doses than prescribed.
2. Norco – What Norco looks like: white tablets with orange specks with “WATSON” debossed on one side and 913 on the other, light orange tablets with “NORCO® 729” on one side and bisected on the other, and yellow tablets with “NORCO 539” debossed on one side and bisected on the other.
3. Lortab – What Lortab looks like: tablets in multiple colors depending on strength (white with pink, green, or blue specks; or wholly pink) with “ucb” debossed on one side and a number (901, 902, 903, 910) on the other.
Lortab is a brand name version of Hydrocodone similar to brands Norco® and Lorcet®.
4. Zohydro – Zohydro was the first purely Hydrocodone medication approved by the FDA in 2013. The agency approved the drug against the advice of its scientific advisory board, which voted 11-2 to deny Zohydro’s approval. Adding Acetaminophen is thought to lower Hydrocodone’s risk of abuse, causing many to question the FDA’s decision to approve Zohydro.
Search Hydrocodone Topics & Resources
Sources:
[1] Mallinckrodt (10 March 2021). “HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE AND ACETAMINOPHEN tablet (label)”. National Institutes of Health DailyMed. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
[2] MedlinePlus; Drug Information: Hydrocodone. Last Revised—1 October 2008. Retrieved on 20 April 2013.
[3] “REPREXAIN (hydrocodone bitartrate, ibuprofen) tablet, film coated”. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. NIH. Retrieved 27 April 2013.