How Long Does Lortab Stay In Your System?

Medically reviewed by

Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BC

May 3, 2019

Lortab is a prescription medication used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. This drug is a combination of hydrocodone, an opiate, and acetaminophen, a pain and fever reducer. Lortab can typically be detected by standard drug tests for three to four days after the last dose is taken.

Hydrocodone, an active component in Lortab, is one of the most widely prescribed and abused opiate pain medications in the United States. As an opiate, this drug comes with a high potential of abuse and addiction.

How long this drug is detectable in the body will depend on many factors. These include how much and how often the drug is taken and individual variables such as body weight.

The Half-Life Of Lortab

Hydrocodone is the ingredient in Lortab that is detectable by a drug test. Hydrocodone has a half-life of around four hours. It takes anywhere from five to six half-lives for the drug to be completely eliminated from the body.

How Long Is Lortab Detectable In The Body?

How long Lortab stays in a person’s system is dependent on a number of factors. The type of drug test used will also have an impact on how long Lortab is detectable in the body.

The most common type of drug test used to detect Lortab in the body is a urine test. Standard urine tests can typically test positive for opioids up to three days after the last dose is taken.

Detection times for each form of drug test include:

• Urine — Three to four days after the last dose of Lortab is taken
• Hair — Up to 90 days after the last dose of the drug is taken
• Blood — A blood test can detect opioids in the system for up to 24 hours

These detection times are an estimate and may vary from person to person.

Factors That Influence How Long Lortab Is Detectable In The System

There are a number of factors that can affect the length of time Lortab is detectable in a person’s body. These factors can vary for each individual.

The most common variables that influence how long hydrocodone is able to be detected in the system include:

• Metabolism — A person with a fast metabolism will break down and rid the body of drugs much faster than someone with a slower metabolism.
• Age — Younger individuals will typically eliminate drugs like Lortab faster than people who are older.
• Body Mass Index — Lortab dosages are typically prescribed based on a person’s weight, height, and body fat. Someone who takes more of the drug than what is recommended will break down the substance slower than someone taking the correct dose for his or her body mass index.
• Kidney And Liver Health — The kidneys and liver play a primary role in breaking down drugs and other substances. They are also responsible for the elimination of drugs. Someone with unhealthy organs will eliminate hydrocodone much slower than someone with a healthy liver and kidneys.
• Frequency And Duration Of Use — How much and how long a person takes Lortab will impact how long the drug is detectable in the body. Someone who takes Lortab on a daily basis or who takes a larger amount of the drug will have the drug in the system longer.

Getting Help For Lortab Abuse And Addiction

If you are wondering about how long Lortab is detectable in your system, you may be struggling with abuse or addiction to the drug. Seeking help for opioid addiction is the best way to reclaim your life and maximize your health.

Many people who are addicted to opioids like Lortab will need to go through a medically supervised detox program. Detox programs ensure the safety of people who are withdrawing from opioids. They can also provide medication to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

After a detoxification program is complete, a formal treatment program will likely be recommended. This can include a stay at an inpatient rehab facility. Inpatient programs often provide individualized recovery programs to meet the needs of each patient.

To learn more about how long Lortab stays in the system, contact a treatment specialist today.