How long does oxycodone take to work?

Research has found opioids provide no significant advantage over OTC medications for most pain conditions, while carrying substantially higher risks of addiction, constipation, and respiratory depression. This guide compares prescription opioids (oxycodone and hydrocodone) against over-the-counter analgesics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen) for pain management across various conditions.

Immediate-release oxycodone has a half-life of just under 4 hours which means the pain-relieving effects of one dose will be gone within 6 to 24 hours, but it can remain detectable in saliva, urine, and hair for much longer. In saliva, oxycodone is detectable within minutes of taking it and lasts for up to 48 hours (2 days). Oxycodone is detectable in urine within 1 to 3 hours and will stay detectable for 1 to 4 days. Like most other opioids, oxycodone is detectable in hair for up to 90 days. Continue reading

Any drug that is classified as an "opioid" can cause constipation. Examples of commonly prescribed opioids that may cause this side effect include morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, methadone, hydrocodone, codeine and oxycodone.