Oxycodone: uses, dosing, side effects & brands
Oxycodone is an opioid agonist sold in the U.S. under 6 brand and generic names, for postoperative pain. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.
Key facts
- Drug class
- Opioid Agonist
- Treats (across its forms)
- Postoperative Pain
- Available as
- Solution · Tablet · Tablet, extended release · Capsule, extended release
- Sold as
- 6 products — Oxycodone Hydrochloride, Oxaydo and Oxycontin, and others
- Prescription?
- Prescription only
- Generic available?
- Yes
- Half-life
- about 3.5 to 4 hours
- What the pharmacy pays
- about $0.08 per ml — not your price
- Boxed warning
- Boxed warning
How Oxaydo is dosed
From the FDA label for Oxaydo (application NDA202080). Other oxycodone products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
OXAYDO should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. ( 2.1 ) Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Reserve titration to higher doses of OXAYDO for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. ( 2.1 , 5 ) Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures or acute musculoskeletal injuries) require no more than a few days of an opioid analgesic. Clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing for some acute pain conditions are available. ( 2.1 ) Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with OXAYDO. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) Discuss opioid overdose reversal agents and options for acquiring them with the patient and/or caregiver, both when initiating and renewing…
Everything below is the FDA label for Oxaydo (tablet). Oxycodone is also sold as solution, tablet, extended release and capsule, extended release, and those are different medicines to take — follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
Oxaydo side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Interactions with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥3%) were nausea, constipation, vomiting, headache, pruritus, insomnia, dizziness, asthenia, and somnolence. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Zyla Life Sciences US Inc. at 1-800-518-1084 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in…
Who shouldn’t take Oxaydo
OXAYDO is contraindicated in patients with: Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Hypersensitivity to oxycodone, oxycodone salts, or any components of the product (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] Significant respiratory depression. ( 4 ) Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment. ( 4 ) Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus. ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to oxycodone, oxycodone salts, or any components of the product. ( 4 )
Oxaydo drug interactions
Table 1 includes clinically significant drug interactions with OXAYDO. Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with OXAYDO Inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of OXAYDO and CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the plasma concentration of oxycodone, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects. These effects could be more pronounced with concomitant use of OXAYDO and CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitors, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of OXAYDO is achieved [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ]. After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the oxycodone plasma concentration will decrease [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ], resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to oxycodone. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider dosage reduction of OXAYDO until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate patients for respiratory depression and sedation at frequent intervals. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the OXAYDO dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate for signs of opioid withdrawal. Examples Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of OXAYDO and CYP3A4 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of oxycodone [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to oxycodone [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the oxycodone plasma concentration will increase [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, and may cause serious respiratory depression. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider increasing the OXAYDO dosage until stable drug effects are achieved [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . Evaluate patients for signs of opioid withdrawal. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider OXAYDO dosage reduction and evaluate patients at frequent intervals for signs of respiratory depression and sedation. Examples Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin Benzodiazepines and other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants including alcohol, increases the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Intervention: Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Inform patients and caregivers of this potential interaction and educate them on the for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression (including sedation). If concomitant use is warranted, consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 ) ]. Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), other opioids, alcohol. Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome. Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, frequently evaluate the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue OXAYDO if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Intervention: The use of OXAYDO is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression. Examples: Phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics Clinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of OXAYDO and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use. Examples: Butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine Muscle Relaxants Clinical Impact: Oxycodone may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression. Intervention: Because respiratory depression may be greater than otherwise expected, decrease the dosage of OXAYDO and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. Due to the risk of respiratory depression with concomitant use of skeletal muscle relaxants and opioids, consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 ) ] Examples: Cyclobenzaprine, metaxolone Diuretics Clinical Impact: Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. Intervention: Evaluate patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed. Anticholinergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus. Intervention: Evaluate patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when OXAYDO is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs. Serotonergic Drugs : Concomitant use may result in serotonin syndrome. Discontinue OXAYDO if serotonin syndrome is suspected. ( 7 ) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) : Can potentiate the effects of oxycodone. Avoid concomitant use in patients receiving MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping treatment with an MAOI. ( 7 ) Mixed Agonist/Antagonist Analgesics : Avoid use with OXAYDO because they may reduce analgesic effect of OXAYDO or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. ( 7 )
Can you take oxycodone with…?
Source-cited answers for the combinations people actually ask about — each with a verdict and what to watch for.
Every oxycodone product we track (6)
Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70/100 | Prescription | Solution | Generic | $0 | View → | |
| 2 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $0 | View → | |
| 3 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $0 | View → | |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $0 | View → | |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $0 | View → | |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | Generic | $0 | View → |
What oxycodone pills look like
Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.
Combination products containing oxycodone
A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.
Oxycodone recalls
From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.
Oxycodone Hydrochloride Tablets
Defective container: card seal defects (weak/non-existent seals), leading to the tablets falling out of their cavities.
Amerisource Health Services LLC · Jan 14, 2026
Oxycodone and Acetaminophen CII Tablets USP
Failed Tablet/Capsule Specification: There is a potential for the imprint to be missing on tablets.
SpecGx, LLC · Dec 16, 2025
Oxycodone and Acetaminophen CII Tablets USP
Failed Tablet/Capsule Specification: There is a potential for the imprint to be missing on tablets.
SpecGx, LLC · Dec 16, 2025
How long oxycodone keeps
No oxycodone label we read sets a separate limit for after opening, but they do specify how it must be stored — and the stability behind any date assumes those conditions.
Does oxycodone expire? The in-use limits and storage rules from its labelsOxycodone and breastfeeding
From LactMed, the US National Library of Medicine’s Drugs and Lactation Database — quoted, not rewritten.
Full LactMed record for oxycodone: levels in milk, effects in breastfed infants, and the drugs it would consider insteadMaternal use of oral opioids during breastfeeding can cause infant drowsiness, which may progress to rare but severe central nervous system depression. Sedation and apnea have occurred in breastfed infants after maternal use of oxycodone. Newborn infants seem to be particularly sensitive to the effects of even small dosages of narcotic analgesics. If oxycodone is required by the mother of a newborn, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding; however, once the mother's milk comes in, it is best to treat pain with a nonnarcotic analgesic and limit maternal intake of oral oxycodone (and combinations) to 30 mg daily for 2 to 3 days, especially in the outpatient setting. Monitor the infant closely for drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants. If the baby shows signs of increased sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breastfeeding, breathing difficulties, or limpness, a physician should be contacted immediately. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfed infants when maternal administration of an opioid analgesic is stopped, or when breastfeeding is stopped. Extended-release oxycodone products (such as OxyContin) are not recommended in nursing mothers.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, record revised May 15, 2026. LactMed states its information is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What people report to the FDA about oxycodone
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 298,217 reports naming oxycodone, and the FDA flagged 84% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:
- emotional distress25,788 reports
- fatigue16,129 reports
- nausea16,008 reports
- diarrhoea11,741 reports
- vomiting11,302 reports
- dyspnoea10,940 reports
- anxiety10,719 reports
- headache10,596 reports
Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean oxycodone caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label section above.
Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved August 25, 2026.
How long oxycodone stays in your system
The elimination half-life of oxycodone is about 3.5 to 4 hours. This is the elimination half-life for immediate-release oxycodone in adults with normal organ function; extended/controlled-release products act longer, and in kidney or liver impairment oxycodone concentrations run higher and clearance is reduced. The main metabolites (noroxycodone, oxymorphone) are not longer-acting than the parent drug for immediate-release oxycodone.
OXYCODONE HYDROCHLORIDE tablet — DailyMed ↗Half-life is how long the body takes to clear half a dose. It is not the same as how long a drug test can detect it, and it varies with age, kidney and liver function.
Can you drink alcohol on oxycodone?
The label says avoid it
The label addresses alcohol directly, and does so in its BOXED warning. Oxycodone is a CNS depressant, and the label warns that concomitant use with alcohol (grouped with benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants) may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. The mechanism is additive CNS and respiratory depression, not a disulfiram-like reaction. The drug-abuse section adds that the risk of overdose (respiratory depression, hypotension, seizures, death) is increased with concurrent use of alcohol, and that a history of alcohol abuse marks a patient as high-risk. The label directs prescribers to reserve concomitant use with CNS depressants such as alcohol for patients with no adequate alternative, and to limit doses and durations.
Stopping oxycodone: withdrawal & how to come off
FDA boxed warning — physical dependence
Yes. Oxycodone produces physical dependence, and abrupt discontinuation or rapid dose reduction in a physically dependent patient can cause a serious withdrawal syndrome. The label names the symptoms: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, sweating, chills, muscle aches (myalgia), and dilated pupils (mydriasis), and also irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and raised blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate. The label warns that rapid reduction or abrupt discontinuation has resulted in serious withdrawal, uncontrolled pain, and suicide. It directs that the drug must not be stopped abruptly in a dependent patient; instead the prescriber manages a gradual, patient-specific taper (the label cites reducing by roughly 10 to 25 percent of the daily dose at intervals, adjusted to the patient), pausing or raising the dose if withdrawal emerges. The boxed warning also names Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS): infants of mothers using opioids for an extended period may be born physically dependent and can experience a life-threatening withdrawal syndrome that requires neonatology management.
This describes what the label says about stopping — not a schedule to follow on your own. Any change to oxycodoneis your prescriber’s decision; stopping some medicines abruptly is dangerous.
Oxycodone Hydrochloride Tablets - DailyMed label ↗Related guides
Related calculators
Frequently asked questions
What is Oxaydo?
Oxaydo (Oxycodone Hydrochloride) is an opioid agonist used to treat Postoperative Pain.
What kind of drug is oxycodone?
The FDA classifies oxycodone as an opioid agonist. Opioid agonists bind opioid receptors (mainly mu receptors) on nerves in the brain and spinal cord, dampening the release of pain-signaling chemicals so fewer pain messages reach the brain, which relieves moderate to severe pain. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you drink alcohol while taking oxycodone?
The label addresses alcohol directly, and does so in its BOXED warning. Oxycodone is a CNS depressant, and the label warns that concomitant use with alcohol (grouped with benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants) may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. The mechanism is additive CNS and respiratory depression, not a disulfiram-like reaction. The drug-abuse section adds that the risk of overdose (respiratory depression, hypotension, seizures, death) is increased with concurrent use of alcohol, and that a history of alcohol abuse marks a patient as high-risk. The label directs prescribers to reserve concomitant use with CNS depressants such as alcohol for patients with no adequate alternative, and to limit doses and durations. This is what oxycodone's FDA label says; alcohol advice depends on your dose and health, so confirm with your pharmacist.
What happens if you stop taking oxycodone?
Yes. Oxycodone produces physical dependence, and abrupt discontinuation or rapid dose reduction in a physically dependent patient can cause a serious withdrawal syndrome. The label names the symptoms: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, sweating, chills, muscle aches (myalgia), and dilated pupils (mydriasis), and also irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and raised blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate. The label warns that rapid reduction or abrupt discontinuation has resulted in serious withdrawal, uncontrolled pain, and suicide. It directs that the drug must not be stopped abruptly in a dependent patient; instead the prescriber manages a gradual, patient-specific taper (the label cites reducing by roughly 10 to 25 percent of the daily dose at intervals, adjusted to the patient), pausing or raising the dose if withdrawal emerges. The boxed warning also names Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS): infants of mothers using opioids for an extended period may be born physically dependent and can experience a life-threatening withdrawal syndrome that requires neonatology management. Do not stop oxycodone on your own — any change is a prescriber-managed decision.
How long does oxycodone stay in your system?
The elimination half-life of oxycodone is about 3.5 to 4 hours — that is how long the body takes to clear half of a dose. This is the elimination half-life for immediate-release oxycodone in adults with normal organ function; extended/controlled-release products act longer, and in kidney or liver impairment oxycodone concentrations run higher and clearance is reduced. The main metabolites (noroxycodone, oxymorphone) are not longer-acting than the parent drug for immediate-release oxycodone. Half-life is not the same as how long a drug test can detect the drug, and it varies with age, kidney and liver function.
Can you take oxycodone with other medicines?
It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run oxycodone against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is oxycodone sold under?
We track 6 oxycodone-containing products in the U.S.: Oxycodone Hydrochloride, Oxaydo, Oxycontin, Roxicodone, Roxybond and Xtampza ER. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does oxycodone come in?
Across the brands we track, oxycodone is currently marketed as solution, tablet, tablet, extended release and capsule, extended release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.
Is there a generic oxycodone?
Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic oxycodone product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.
Has oxycodone been recalled?
The FDA's Enforcement database lists 3 recall records whose product description mentions oxycodone. The most recent: Oxycodone Hydrochloride Tablets (Jan 14, 2026). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.
What should I avoid while taking oxycodone?
Alcohol: the FDA label says to avoid alcohol — see the alcohol section above for what it actually says. Other medicines: we hold source-cited interaction answers for Can you take oxycodone and Tylenol together? and Can you take ibuprofen and oxycodone together?. This is what the FDA label and our cited sources say — it is not a complete list. Your pharmacist can check your own combination.
How long does OxyContin/Percocet (oxycodone) stay in your system?
"In your system" means two different things. First, how long the drug is active and clearing: oxycodone has a short plasma half-life of about 3 to 5 hours (StatPearls, NCBI), and a drug is largely cleared after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives. That works out to about 15 to 25 hours for most of a single dose to leave the bloodstream — a bit longer for the extended-release OxyContin formulation, which is designed to release slowly over about 12 hours. Second, how long a drug test can still DETECT oxycodone or its metabolites (noroxycodone and oxymorphone): this is longer than the clearance time and depends entirely on the test type, from roughly a day for blood (an estimate based on the short half-life — the cited labs give no specific blood window) up to about 90 days for hair. These are approximate laboratory ranges, not guarantees; only a clinician or testing lab can interpret a specific result.
How long is oxycodone detectable in a urine drug test?
Urine is the most common test. Oxycodone is typically detectable in urine for about 1 to 4 days after the last dose (Drugs.com), and heavy or long-term use can extend that window somewhat, because the liver converts it to metabolites (noroxycodone, oxymorphone) that are excreted by the kidneys and can be detected after the parent drug has cleared. One honest, useful caveat: a standard "opiate" immunoassay is designed around morphine and codeine and cross-reacts poorly with oxycodone, so it can MISS oxycodone entirely. Labs generally need a specific oxycodone/oxymorphone assay or a confirmatory test (GC-MS or LC-MS/MS) to detect it reliably. The exact window varies with dose, how long and how often the drug was used, metabolism, hydration, and the specific assay and its cutoff. These are approximate ranges — only the testing lab can interpret your result.
How long does oxycodone show up in blood, saliva, or hair?
Blood: oxycodone clears quickly — based on its short half-life it is largely gone within about a day, though the cited labs give no specific blood detection window — and blood tests are mostly used in emergencies or suspected overdose. Saliva (oral fluid): typically detectable for about 1 to 2 days, appearing within minutes of a dose (Drugs.com). Hair: because drugs deposit into the growing hair shaft, oxycodone can be detected for up to about 90 days (hair grows ~0.5 inch/month, so a longer sample covers a longer window). These are typical ranges from clinical and toxicology references, not exact cutoffs, and they shift with dose, frequency of use, and individual physiology.
What affects how long oxycodone stays in your system?
Several factors move the numbers within the typical ranges: dose and frequency (a single dose clears faster than chronic daily use, which builds up detectable metabolites); metabolism, age, and liver or kidney function (oxycodone is broken down by liver enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 and cleared by the kidneys, so impairment slows elimination); body composition and hydration; and the specific test and its detection cutoff — a more sensitive assay flags lower amounts for longer. All windows above are approximate ranges from laboratory references, not guarantees. This is factual information only; it is not advice about passing or altering a drug test, and you should not stop or change a prescribed medication without talking to your prescriber. Only a clinician or the testing laboratory can interpret a specific result.
Cite this page
- APA
- pharmaranks. (2026, July 24). Oxycodone: uses, dosing, side effects & brands. https://pharmaranks.com/drugs/oxycodone
- MLA
- “Oxycodone: uses, dosing, side effects & brands.” pharmaranks, 24 July 2026, https://pharmaranks.com/drugs/oxycodone.
We summarise public FDA and NIH sources — for a clinical claim, cite the primary source we link to as well.
Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.
Read the full FDA label for oxycodone on DailyMed (NIH) ↗ — including its boxed warning in full.