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How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System After Last Use?

Percocet is a well-known opioid prescription drug for pain relief that was heavily promoted and widely prescribed in the 1990s. While its popularity has declined due to its association with the opioid crisis, it is still prescribed today for moderate to severe pain.

Like all prescription medications, Percocet has an elimination half-life, which determines how long it takes for half of the drug to leave your system. Even after this time, and once the drug is completely cleared, it may still be detectable on a drug test.

In this article, we will discuss what Percocet is, its elimination half-life, the process of complete elimination, signs to watch for when under the influence, and how long it can be detected on a drug test.

Key Points

  • Percocet is a semi-synthetic opioid that contains oxycodone and acetaminophen.
  • It is addictive and is listed as a Schedule II controlled substance.
  • It can take 3 to 5 hours for half of a Percocet dose to clear the system.
  • It can take 25 hours for complete elimination.

What Is Percocet?

Percocet is a semi-synthetic opiate medication that combines oxycodone and acetaminophen. It is primarily prescribed for short-term management of moderate to severe pain.

The drug is available in various strengths, ranging from 2.2 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride with 325 mg of acetaminophen to 10 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride with 650 mg of acetaminophen.[1]

Oxycodone, the active ingredient in Percocet, is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence. As such, it is only available by prescription.[2]

What Is Percocet’s Half-Life?

An elimination half-life is the time it takes for your body to process and clear half of a substance. For Percocet, this average half-life is approximately 3 to 5 hours.[3] During this time, metabolites from Percocet are excreted from the body primarily through the kidneys at a clearance rate of 0.8 L/min.[3]

What Is the Total Elimination Time for Percocet?

As it takes 4–5 half-lives for a drug to completely leave the system, it could take up to 25 hours for Percocet to be eliminated from the body.[4]

How Long Will You Experience the Effects of Percocet?

The duration of Percocet’s effects varies from person to person, but they typically subside by the time of the next dose.

According to Drugs.com, the side effects of Percocet include the following:[5]

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Itchy eyes
  • Red eyes
  • Feeling extreme happiness
  • Feeling extreme sadness
  • Dry mouth

If you notice any of these side effects of Percocet, contact your doctor or seek medical care immediately:[5]

  • Noisy breathing
  • Shallow breathing
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Weak pulse
  • Cold skin
  • Clammy skin
  • Lightheadedness
  • Weakness
  • Fever
  • Unusual bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Confusion
  • Unusual thoughts
  • Seizures
  • Problems with urination
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Upper stomach pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dark urine
  • Clay-colored stools
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Fever or shivering
  • Fast heart rate
  • Loss of coordination
  • Diarrhea

Breathing problems have been observed in older adults taking Percocet, especially those who are debilitated, have wasting syndrome, or chronic respiratory issues. If you have any of these conditions, inform your doctor before using this medication.[5]

How Long Can a Drug Test Detect Percocet After Last Use?

Percocet is an opioid that can be detected on standard opioid drug tests. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), oxycodone, the main ingredient in Percocet, is typically detectable on a urine test for up to 28 hours.[6] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that some individuals experience an extended detection time and may still test positive up to two days after their last use.[7]

What Influences How Long Percocet Stays in a Person’s System?

Since Percocet is processed and eliminated through the renal system, any condition affecting this system can influence the amount of time the drug takes to be processed. The impact is especially significant in people with renal impairment.[3]

Patients with renal impairment who have a creatinine clearance exceeding 60 mL/min. can typically take a normal dose.[3] Conversely, those with a creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min. should receive a reduced dose, ranging from 50% to 75% less than the standard dose.[3]

Other groups that might have trouble eliminating or processing Percocet include:[3]

  • Hepatic impairment: These patients may begin with an initial dose of one-third to one-half under medical supervision before gradually titrating upwards.
  • Pregnancy: Oxycodone use during pregnancy can lead to fatal events and may cross the placental barrier, posing risks to the unborn child. Therefore, pregnant patients should discuss this with their physician and carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks before using it.
  • Older age: A dose of one-third to half of a typical dose is recommended for older patients.

Individuals who use too high of a dose of Percocet, whether intentionally or accidentally, may suffer an oxycodone overdose.

Signs of an oxycodone overdose include:[3]

  • Slowed heart rate
  • Respiratory depression
  • Low blood pressure
  • Cold, clammy skin

In some cases, an overdose could be fatal.

Individuals with a substance use disorder, such as opioid use disorder, or those who engage in polysubstance abuse, may have a higher risk of overdose than individuals who take the medication as prescribed.

Finding Help for Oxycodone (Percocet) Addiction

Do you:

  • Have a preoccupation with finding or using Percocet?
  • Hide your Percocet use from loved ones?
  • Spend more time than usual overcoming the effects of using Percocet?
  • Have trouble focusing at school or work because you’re thinking about Percocet?
  • Experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it?
  • Try to stop taking Percocet only to relapse?
  • Go from doctor to doctor trying to obtain a prescription after being denied one?
  • Need more Percocet than usual to experience the original effects?
  • Mix Percocet with another substance to induce euphoria or forget about your problems?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may have a problem with drug abuse or Percocet addiction.

Percocet Addiction Treatment at Southeast Detox GA

People with a Percocet addiction might struggle to stop because of painful withdrawal symptoms, such as abdominal cramps, insomnia, and sweating. This cycle can make quitting seem impossible, as individuals may restart use to ease the pain, only to quit and start again. However, with professional help, overcoming Percocet addiction is achievable.

Whole-Person Centered Care

At Southeast Detox GA, located in Rome, Georgia, we provide all the necessary tools to help you achieve lasting sobriety, which means treating you as a whole person: mind, body, and spirit.

Our medication-assisted detox program begins with a comprehensive assessment by our experts to determine your specific needs and how best to address them.

During detox, you will be closely monitored by medical professionals to ensure a safe withdrawal from Percocet, which may include FDA-approved medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce opioid cravings.

While staying at our inpatient facility, you can enjoy amenities such as catered meals, television, and WiFi in your room. Our detox treatment program also incorporates additional treatment options to support your recovery, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, 12-Step support groups, and holistic treatments such as nature therapy.

To learn more about our facility and how we can assist you on your journey to sobriety, contact Southeast Detox GA today.

Sources

[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (n.d.). Percocet. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/040330s015,040341s013,040434s003lbl.pdf on 2025 Oct 20.

[2] Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (n.d.). Oxycodone. Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/oxycodone.pdf on 2025 Oct 20.

[3] StatPearls. (2024 Feb 20). Oxycodone. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482226/ on 2025 Oct 20.

[4] StatPearls. (2025 May 3).Elimination Half-Life of Drugs. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554498/ on 2025 Oct 20.

[5] Drugs.com. (2023 Aug 15). Percocet. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/percocet.html on 2025 Oct 20.

[6] SAMHSA. (n.d.). Oxycodone and Hydrocodone: Detection in Urine, Oral Fluid, and Blood. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/meeting/documents/flegel-research-studies-dtab-june-2014.pdf on 2025 Oct 20.

[7] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (n.d.). Drugs of Abuse Home Use Test. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/drugs-abuse-tests/drugs-abuse-home-use-test on 2025 Oct 20.

FAQs

How long can Percocet remain in the urine?

Percet can remain in the urine for 28 to 48 hours.

What is the elimination half-life of Percocet?

The elimination half-life of Percocet is 3 to 5 hours.

How long will it take for Percocet to leave my system?

It will take 4 to 5 half-lives for Percocet to clear the system, so approximately 25 hours.

Can Percocet be detected on a drug test after the last dose?

Yes. Some tests including a hair test (hair follicle test), blood test, or saliva test may detect the presence of Percocet beyond the drug’s half-life and the last dose. This includes its metabolites.