How Long Does Oxycodone Stay In Your System?

Oxycodone is a potent prescription opioid commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain, especially after surgery or injury. Because of its strength and classification as a controlled substance, many people want to know: how long does oxycodone stay in your system?

Whether you're facing a drug test, managing your medication timeline, or just curious about how long oxycodone lingers in your body, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Detection windows vary depending on dosage, frequency of use, your body’s metabolism, and the type of test being used—urine, blood, saliva, or hair.

In this guide, we’ll cover how oxycodone is processed in the body, how long it remains detectable in various test types, what to expect if you're prescribed 5mg doses, and how surgery and combination medications (like oxycodone with acetaminophen) can impact results.

How does oxycodone work in your system?

Oxycodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and producing feelings of relief or euphoria. Once ingested, it’s primarily metabolized by the liver, where it's broken down into active and inactive metabolites. While the immediate effects of oxycodone typically wear off within 4–6 hours, its half-life—the time it takes for half of the drug to leave your system—is around 3 to 5 hours.

However, detection windows last much longer than the high itself. That’s because drug tests look for both the parent drug and its metabolites, which can remain in your body for days—sometimes weeks—depending on several personal factors. So, when people ask how long does a oxycodone stay in your system or how long does an oxycodone stay in your system, the answer isn’t straightforward. Test type, dosage, and your own metabolism all come into play, which we’ll explore in the next section.

How long does oxycodone stay in your urine, blood, saliva, and hair?

Oxycodone can be detected in your system long after its effects wear off—especially depending on the type of drug test administered. Urine tests are by far the most common, particularly in workplace or medical settings. In urine, oxycodone is typically detectable for 2–4 days, but that window can be longer depending on your dosage and body chemistry. If you're searching how long does oxycodone stay in your system urine test or how long does oxycodone stay in your urine system, the key takeaway is that urine tests are designed to catch use within this time frame.

In blood, oxycodone clears more quickly—usually within 1 to 24 hours. This type of test is less common unless immediate intoxication or recent use needs to be confirmed, such as in medical emergencies or legal cases. 👉 How long does oxycodone stay in your blood system

Saliva tests offer a slightly longer window, typically detecting use for up to 4 days, while hair tests provide the longest timeline—detecting traces of oxycodone for up to 90 days after use.

Keep in mind that several variables can impact how long oxycodone remains detectable, including your weight, liver health, age, hydration, and whether the drug was taken occasionally or chronically.

Next, we’ll look at how post-surgical use affects detection—especially for those navigating recovery and routine testing.

How long does oxycodone stay in your system after surgery?

Oxycodone is frequently prescribed after surgery to manage moderate to severe pain, but its presence in your system can outlast its pain-relieving effects. Factors like the type of surgery, your metabolism, anesthesia interactions, and other post-operative medications can influence how long the drug lingers. Some individuals process opioids more slowly after surgery due to liver function changes, dehydration, or limited mobility.

This is important if you're planning to return to work, operate machinery, or undergo a drug test in the days following your procedure. While most people eliminate oxycodone within a few days, trace amounts may still show up depending on the test type used.

👉 How long does oxycodone stay in your system for is a common concern, and the answer often depends on both your dosage and recovery conditions.

Next, we’ll examine how dosage—specifically 5mg of oxycodone—can affect detection times for occasional users.

How long does 5mg of oxycodone stay in your system?

For those prescribed a lower dose—such as 5mg of oxycodone—the detection timeline may be shorter than that of heavier or long-term users. In most cases, a single 5mg dose can be detectable in urine for 1 to 3 days, depending on your metabolism, hydration, and overall health. However, if you’re taking multiple 5mg doses throughout the day or using oxycodone regularly, traces may linger much longer.

It’s important to understand that drug tests don't just check for current effects—they look for metabolites, which remain in your body long after the high wears off. So even a seemingly mild dose like 5mg of oxycodone can still be flagged on a test if your body hasn’t fully cleared it.

👉 How long does 5mg oxycodone stay in your system
👉 How long does a 5mg oxycodone stay in your system
👉 How long does oxycodone 5 mg stay in your system

Next, we’ll break down what happens when oxycodone is combined with acetaminophen—and whether that changes detection windows.

How long does oxycodone acetaminophen stay in your system?

Oxycodone-acetaminophen, commonly sold under the brand name Percocet, is a combination medication used for moderate to severe pain. While the acetaminophen component (also found in Tylenol) provides added pain relief, it doesn’t significantly affect drug test results.

When labs test for this medication, it’s the oxycodone portion they’re looking for—not acetaminophen. That means detection windows remain roughly the same: 2–4 days in urine, up to 24 hours in blood, 1–4 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair, depending on usage patterns.

If you’ve taken Percocet recently and are preparing for a drug screening, it’s essential to focus on oxycodone detection timelines—not just the label on the bottle.

For a quick overview of how long oxycodone stays in your system by test type, check out the summary chart below.

Summary Chart: Oxycodone Detection Times by Test Type

Test Type	Detection Window
Urine	2–4 days (may vary with dosage and metabolism)
Blood	Up to 24 hours
Saliva	1–4 days
Hair	Up to 90 days

Final Thoughts

Oxycodone’s detection time can vary significantly based on your dose, body chemistry, and the type of drug test used. Whether you’ve been prescribed a 5mg tablet after surgery or are navigating a routine screening, it’s important to understand how long oxycodone may linger in your system. When in doubt, speak to your healthcare provider and review reliable detection timelines.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. MyDetoxShop.com does not condone or promote illegal activity, including attempting to circumvent drug testing policies. Detox products are intended for lawful use only, including general wellness, novelty, or personal privacy. Always consult a medical professional and comply with local laws and regulations.