How Long Does Vicodin Stay in Your System?

Vicodin is a pain relieving medication composed of acetaminophen and hydrocone. Hydrocones are categorized under narcotic pain relievers. Perhaps the word "narcotic" will be a red flag to some that Vicodin is not a drug to take lightly.

Vicodin must be prescribed, as it has an extremely powerful effect. Only a doctor can properly diagnose conditions that may require the use of Vicodin; however, conditions that cause extreme pain are often candidates for Vicodin treatment. Vicodin can cause drowsiness, so a person on the pain killer should be certain that the medication is out of his or her system before attempting to operate a vehicle. The amount of time that Vicodin stays in the system varies; however, there are some estimates to help ensure safety, especially behind the wheel.

Duration

The amount of time that Vicodin stays in the system varies depending on what part of the body is tested. The effects of the painkiller generally stay in the system for four hours; however, waiting a bit longer before operating a vehicle is always best in order to ensure that a Vicodin-based accident will not occur. Traces of the drug can stay in the system for 72 hours; however, that does not necessarily mean that the effects are still present.

Urine tests will show traces of Vicodin for that 72 hour period. A hair test can show traces of the drug for up to three months. However, these are just basic standards. The real answer to how long  Vicodin stays in your system depends on factors such as diet, weight, and body fat, all factors which influence the person's metabolic rate. Therefore, the time periods could be significantly shorter or significantly longer.