Lortab is a prescription medication often given to people who need relief from moderate to severe pain. While it can be very effective when used correctly, it also carries a risk of dependence because it contains hydrocodone, an opioid.
One of the most common questions people have is: How long does Lortab stay in your system?
The answer depends on many factors, such as your metabolism, liver health, and the type of drug test being used. Whether you are prescribed Lortab, preparing for a drug test, or worried about potential misuse, understanding how this medication works in the body can help you make safer choices.
What Is Lortab?
Lortab is a combination medication that includes:
- Hydrocodone – a semi-synthetic opioid that changes the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain.
- Acetaminophen – a non-opioid pain reliever, also found in Tylenol, that reduces fever and boosts pain relief.
Because hydrocodone has a high potential for misuse and addiction, Lortab is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. This means it should only be taken under close medical supervision.
How Long Does Lortab Stay in Your System?
The effects of Lortab generally last about 4 to 6 hours, but the drug’s presence in the body lingers much longer.
Hydrocodone has an average half-life of 3.8 hours. A drug typically takes about 5–6 half-lives to be eliminated completely. That means Lortab could remain in your body for around 24 hours or more, depending on your health and metabolism.
However, drug tests can detect hydrocodone and acetaminophen for much longer.
Approximate detection windows:
- Blood: Up to 24 hours
- Urine: 2–4 days after last use
- Saliva: 24–36 hours
- Hair: Up to 90 days
It’s important to remember that these are general timelines. Your personal results may differ depending on several factors.
Factors That Influence How Long Lortab Stays in the Body
Not everyone clears Lortab at the same rate. Some of the key influences include:
- Dosage and frequency of use – Taking higher or repeated doses leads to longer detection times.
- Metabolism – A faster metabolism processes medication more quickly, while a slower metabolism may keep it in the system longer.
- Age, weight, and body fat – Older adults and people with higher body fat percentages may retain traces longer.
- Liver function – Because both hydrocodone and acetaminophen are metabolized in the liver, impaired liver health can slow down clearance.
- Other substances – Mixing Lortab with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids can affect how your body processes it and increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
Why Knowing This Matters
Understanding how long Lortab stays in your system is important for several reasons:
- Preventing overdose: Taking another dose too soon may lead to dangerously high levels in the bloodstream.
- Drug testing: Employers, healthcare providers, or treatment programs may require screenings, and knowing detection times can help set realistic expectations.
- Recognizing risk: If you find yourself taking Lortab more often than prescribed or outside of medical guidance, it may be a sign of developing dependence.
Lortab and the Risk of Addiction
While Lortab can provide relief from pain, it also carries a serious risk of misuse. Some warning signs of addiction or dependence include:
- Taking larger doses to achieve the same effect
- Strong cravings for the medication
- Withdrawal symptoms (such as sweating, nausea, irritability, or anxiety) when not using it
- Continuing use despite negative consequences
Because of these risks, it’s important to take Lortab only as prescribed and to reach out for help if misuse begins to take hold.
Treatment and Recovery Options
The good news is that recovery from Lortab addiction is possible with the right support. At Premiere Addiction Recovery, we provide comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs, which may include:
- Detox Services
- Residential Treatment
- Medically-Assisted Therapy
- Family Education
- Pregnant/Postpartum Detox
- Veteran’s Services
Conclusion
So, how long does Lortab stay in your system? While the drug may clear from your body in about a day, tests can detect it for several days to months depending on the method. More importantly, the bigger issue is the potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Lortab misuse, you are not alone. Premiere Addiction Recovery, a drug rehab in Florida, is here to provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment to help you find freedom from addiction and build a healthier future.
Contact us today to begin your path to recovery.
