Contact Us

How Long Does Percocet Stay In Your System? Percocet Half Life

Percocet is a widely prescribed medication for managing moderate to severe pain. It blends two active ingredients: oxycodone, a powerful opioid pain reliever, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic. Because of its effectiveness, Percocet is often used after surgeries, injuries, or for ongoing chronic pain.

However, Percocet carries a high risk of dependence and misuse. Prescription painkiller overdoses—especially involving oxycodone—have risen sharply between 1991 and 2004, highlighting the need for careful use and monitoring.

Our Percocet Addiction Treatment Centers

Get your life back on track. Contact Arizona IOP today.

Percocet Half Life Explained

A drug’s half-life refers to the time it takes for your body to eliminate half of the substance. For Percocet, the half-life is about 3.5 hours. In practical terms, this means that after 3.5 hours, half of the Percocet in your system is gone, and it takes another 3.5 hours to eliminate half of what remains, continuing gradually from there.

That said, how long does Percocet stay in your system can vary depending on several factors unique to each person.

How Long Does Percocet Stay In Your System

When you take Percocet, its active ingredients enter your bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Oxycodone attaches to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas, helping to reduce pain while also creating feelings of relaxation or euphoria. Acetaminophen works differently—it helps lower fever and blocks pain signals in the brain.

Your body relies on metabolism to clear Percocet. The liver breaks down both oxycodone and acetaminophen into inactive compounds, which are then excreted through urine and feces.

Considering its half-life, Percocet is typically fully eliminated from the body within 18 to 19 hours. Still, individual factors like metabolism, age, and overall health can influence how long the drug actually stays in your system.

Factors Affecting Percocet Elimination

  • Metabolism

    Your metabolism plays a key role in how quickly Percocet is processed and eliminated from your body. People with faster metabolisms may clear the drug more quickly than others.

  • Dosage and Frequency

    How much Percocet you take and how often you use it can impact how it builds up in your body, which can affect how long it remains detectable.

  • Age

    Age can affect how your body processes drugs. Older adults often eliminate Percocet more slowly, which can lead to a longer detection time.

  • Liver and Kidney Function

    Your liver and kidneys play a major role in breaking down and eliminating drugs. If these organs aren’t functioning optimally, Percocet may stay in your system longer.

  • Body Mass

    Body composition can influence how quickly drugs are eliminated. People with higher body fat may experience a longer detection time for Percocet.

  • Hydration

    Staying well-hydrated can help your body flush out drugs more efficiently, which may reduce the time Percocet remains detectable.

  • Interaction with Other Substances

    Using other medications or substances at the same time can affect how your body processes Percocet, potentially making it stay in your system longer or shorter.

Percocet Drug Test Detection

How long does Percocet stay in your urine?

How long Percocet can be detected in a urine test varies depending on factors like dosage and how often it’s taken. Generally, Percocet shows up in urine for 1 to 3 days after use, though in some cases, more sensitive tests can detect it for up to a week.

Percocet can show up on drug tests, but how long it’s detectable depends on the type of test and the sensitivity or cutoff levels used. Different tests may pick up the drug for varying lengths of time.

urine test icon to detect use of drugs

Urine Tests

As noted, Percocet can typically be detected in urine for 1 to 3 days in occasional users, and around 4 to 5 days in those who use it regularly. Keep in mind, though, that these timeframes can vary depending on individual factors like metabolism, age, and overall health.

sample blood icon for blood testing for drug use

Blood Tests

Percocet is only detectable in the blood for a relatively short time. Typically, blood tests can pick it up for up to 24 hours after use, though in some cases, more sensitive tests may detect it for as long as 48 hours.

saliva test icon to detect drug substance

Saliva Tests

Similar to blood tests, saliva tests are commonly used when recent drug use is suspected. Percocet can usually be detected in saliva for up to 2 days after use, though some tests may pick it up for as long as 4 days.

hair test icon for accurate evidence of drug use

Hair Tests

Hair follicle testing provides a longer-term view of drug use. Percocet can be detected in hair for up to 90 days—or even longer—depending on hair length and how frequently the drug has been used.

You deserve another chance. Get rid of opioid addiction today.

Get Professional Help At Arizona IOP

Percocet is a prescription medication, and using it without a valid prescription is illegal. For those looking for non-opioid pain relief or aiming to reduce dependence on Percocet, there are alternative pain management options worth exploring.

If you’re struggling with Percocet or other opioid use, support is available. Arizona IOP offers outpatient programs designed to help individuals overcome addiction while maintaining their daily routines.

Our programs include personalized therapy, group sessions, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic approaches to support recovery. We also provide ongoing aftercare to help you stay on track long after treatment ends.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward recovery, our Scottsdale outpatient program is here to help you reclaim your life and health.

Take back your life from Percocet addiction with Arizona IOP.

Other Drug Detection Times

If you’re wondering how long cocaine stays in your system, it’s generally detectable in urine for about 2 to 4 days after use. Its metabolites, however, can linger much longer—sometimes for several weeks. The exact detection time depends on factors like dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and individual differences.

If you’re asking how long ecstasy stays in your system, Ecstasy (MDMA) is usually detectable for about 2 to 4 days. During this time, traces of the drug can show up in urine, blood, or saliva. Keep in mind that factors like metabolism and the amount taken can affect how long it remains in your body.

If you’re wondering how long heroin stays in your system, it’s typically detectable for about 2 to 3 days. During this period, the drug can appear in urine, blood, or saliva. The exact timing, however, can vary depending on factors such as dosage and individual metabolism.

If you’re asking how long meth stays in your system, methamphetamine is generally detectable for 2 to 4 days. In some cases, it can be found for up to a week. The exact timing depends on factors like the amount used, your metabolism, and the type of drug test.

If you’re wondering how long alcohol stays in your system, it can vary depending on factors like the amount consumed and your metabolism. On average, alcohol is detectable in urine for up to 48 hours and in blood for around 12 hours. Keep in mind that heavy drinking can extend these detection times.

If you’re asking how long Xanax stays in your system, this anxiety medication is usually detectable for about 4 days. After taking it, Xanax can be found in your body through tests like urine or blood during this time frame.

If you’re wondering how long Suboxone stays in your system, the answer can vary. Suboxone is typically detectable in urine for several days, and sometimes even longer, while its effects may last beyond that. Naloxone, on the other hand, usually leaves the body much faster—often within a day.

If you’re asking how long fentanyl stays in your system, it and its metabolites can typically be detected in urine for about 1 to 2 days. However, this window can vary based on factors like dosage, frequency of use, individual metabolism, and the type of drug test used.

If you’re wondering how long opioids stay in your system, the answer can vary widely depending on the specific opioid, dosage, metabolism, and type of drug test. Generally, most opioids can be detected in urine for 2 to 4 days, though those with longer half-lives may be detectable for an extended period.

If you’re asking how long weed stays in your system, it can vary depending on factors like usage frequency and metabolism. For regular users, marijuana may be detectable in urine for up to 30 days, while occasional users might test positive for just a few days to a week.

If you’re wondering how long Ambien stays in your system, Ambien (zolpidem) usually remains active in the body for about 8 hours, with its effects wearing off after that. However, it can be detectable in urine for up to 72 hours, depending on factors like dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism.

If you’re asking how long methadone stays in your system, it’s usually detectable in urine for 7 to 10 days after the last dose. This can vary based on metabolism and how frequently it’s used. In some cases, methadone may even be detectable in hair follicles for several months.