Vicodin (a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen) typically stays in the system for up to 4 days after the last dose, although its effects last only 3-4 hours. Detection times vary by testing method: in urine for up to 4 days, blood up to 24 hours, saliva 12-36 hours, and hair follicles up to 90 days. The half-life of hydrocodone in Vicodin is about 4 hours, meaning it takes approximately 20 hours (about 5 half-lives) to be cleared from the bloodstream, but its metabolites linger longer in the body.
Factors such as frequency of use, age, overall health, liver function, and dosage can affect how long Vicodin stays in the system and how long it is detectable.
