From the FDA Drug Label
Hydrocodone exhibits a complex pattern of metabolism including O-demethylation, N-demethylation and 6-keto reduction to the corresponding 6-α- and 6-β-hydroxy-metabolites. Hydrocodone and its metabolites are eliminated primarily in the kidneys The plasma half-life is 1. 25 to 3 hours, but may be increased by liver damage and following overdosage. Approximately 85% of an oral dose appears in the urine within 24 hours of administration, most as the glucuronide conjugate, with small amounts of other conjugates and unchanged drug.
The duration that hydrocodone and acetaminophen appear on a urine test is not directly stated in the provided drug label. However, based on the information about the plasma half-life and elimination, it can be inferred that:
- Hydrocodone and its metabolites are eliminated primarily in the kidneys, but the exact duration it stays in the urine is not specified.
- Acetaminophen has a plasma half-life of 1.25 to 3 hours and approximately 85% of an oral dose appears in the urine within 24 hours of administration. Given the information available, it is not possible to provide a definitive answer to the question of how long hydrocodone and acetaminophen appear on a urine test 1.
From the Research
Norco can typically be detected in a urine test for 2-4 days after the last dose for most people, with detection times varying based on several factors including dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, hydration levels, and kidney function. The detection time of hydrocodone, the primary component of Norco, can be influenced by various factors such as body mass index, age, and overall health 2. According to a study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology, the detection time of hydrocodone in urine can range from 28 hours to 40 hours, depending on the dose and individual factors 2.
Factors Influencing Detection Time
- Dosage: Higher doses can lead to longer detection times
- Frequency of use: Chronic or heavy users may test positive for up to 7 days
- Metabolism: Individual metabolic rates can affect how quickly the drug is eliminated
- Hydration levels: Increased hydration can lead to faster elimination of the drug
- Kidney function: Impaired kidney function can lead to longer detection times
Importance of Honesty
If you're concerned about a drug test, it's essential to be honest with your healthcare provider or testing authority about your prescribed medications, as legitimate prescriptions can be documented before testing 3. This can help avoid any potential issues or misinterpretations of test results.
Study Findings
A study published in the Journal of Opioid Management found that hydrocodone and its metabolites can be detected in urine for up to 75% of the time, with a median concentration of 122 ng/mL for hydrocodone and 7.7 ng/mL for norhydrocodone 4. Another study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology found that the sensitivity of an opiate immunoassay for detecting hydrocodone and hydromorphone in urine can be improved by using a hydrolysis step and testing for hydromorphone 2.