From the Guidelines
Norco can typically be detected in your system for approximately 2-4 days after your last dose for urine tests, up to 24 hours for blood tests, 1-2 days for saliva tests, and up to 90 days for hair tests. However, the provided evidence does not directly address the question of how long Norco is in your system for a drug test. The evidence provided focuses on date-rape drugs such as flunitrazepam, g-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and ketamine, as well as their effects and detection times in the body 1. Since the question is about Norco, which contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen, we must consider general knowledge about the detection times of these substances in the body. Some key factors that can influence the detection time of Norco in your system include:
- Metabolism
- Age
- Weight
- Kidney and liver function
- Frequency of use
- Dosage It's also important to note that chronic users may test positive for longer periods than occasional users. If you're concerned about a drug test, it's best to be honest with the testing authority about your prescribed medications, as legitimate prescriptions are typically considered when interpreting test results.
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. Following a 10 mg oral dose of hydrocodone administered to five adult male subjects, the mean peak concentration was 23.6 ± 5. 2 ng/mL. Maximum serum levels were achieved at 1.3 ± 0.3 hours and the half-life was determined to be 3.8 ± 0. 3 hours. Hydrocodone and its metabolites are eliminated primarily in the kidneys
The half-life of hydrocodone is approximately 3.8 hours. However, this does not directly answer how long norco (hydrocodone) is in your system for a drug test.
- The time it takes for hydrocodone to be completely eliminated from the system can be estimated to be around 4-5 half-lives, which would be approximately 15-19 hours.
- However, the detection time for norco in a drug test can vary depending on several factors, including the type of test, the dose taken, and individual factors such as metabolism and kidney function.
- It is also important to note that norco is often detected in urine tests, which can detect the drug for a longer period than blood tests.
- The exact detection time for norco in a drug test is not specified in the provided drug label 2.
From the Research
Detection of Norco in Drug Tests
- The duration of Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) in the system can vary depending on several factors, including the dose, frequency of use, and individual metabolism 3.
- Hydrocodone, the opioid component of Norco, can be detected in urine for up to 4 days after a single dose, but this can be longer for chronic users 4.
- The acetaminophen component of Norco is typically eliminated from the body within 24 hours, but it can still be detected in urine for up to 3 days after a single dose 3.
Factors Influencing Detection Time
- The detection time of Norco in drug tests can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Dose: Higher doses of Norco can result in longer detection times 3.
- Frequency of use: Chronic users of Norco may have longer detection times due to accumulation of the drug in the body 4.
- Individual metabolism: People with slower metabolism may have longer detection times, while those with faster metabolism may have shorter detection times 5.
- Type of drug test: Different types of drug tests, such as urine, blood, or saliva tests, may have different detection times for Norco 3.
Studies on Norco Detection
- A study published in the Journal of Opioid Management found that hydrocodone/acetaminophen was detectable in urine for up to 4 days after a single dose 4.
- Another study published in Pain Medicine found that oxycodone/acetaminophen and hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination products produced few subjective effects and no significant psychomotor impairment at low doses, but impaired psychomotor performance at higher doses 3.
- A study published in the journal Pain found that oxycodone was the primary opioid of choice for 44.7% of substance abusers, while hydrocodone was the primary opioid of choice for 29.4% of substance abusers 6.