Percocet, a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, typically stays in the system for about 15 to 24 hours based on its half-life of around 3.5 to 4 hours. However, traces of the drug can be detected for longer periods depending on the type of drug test:
- In blood: up to about 24 hours
- In urine: up to 3 to 4 days
- In saliva: 1 to 4 days
- In hair: up to 90 days
The duration Percocet stays in the system varies depending on factors like dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and overall health including liver and kidney function. The actual pain-relieving effects last 4 to 6 hours, but the drug's presence can be detected much longer than its effect duration.
Summary of Detection Times for Percocet
Test Type| Detection Window
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Blood| Up to 24 hours
Urine| Up to 3-4 days
Saliva| 1 to 4 days
Hair| Up to 90 days
Factors Influencing Duration
- Dosage and frequency: Higher and more frequent doses increase detection time.
- Metabolism: Faster metabolism reduces detection time, slower metabolism (like with kidney or liver issues) extends it.
- Hydration and overall health also affect clearance speed.
In conclusion, Percocet generally exits the body within about a day or so but can be detected by drug tests for several days to months after use, depending on the test type.