I am taking vicodin for recent surgery. How long does the drug stay in your system?

Question

I had 4 impacted wisdom teeth pulled yesterday. The doc gave me vicodin for the pain. I am taking 3 pills a day. I'm curious how long it stays in your system because I want to get pregant, but want to make sure the drug is out of my system before trying.

Answer 1

Vicodin is actually safe to take during pregnancy and my friend was prescribed it at 8 months after she had to get her appendix removed.  You shouldn't worry about any adverse effects from this particular drug.  

However, if you are looking to have a completely natural pregnancy, that's great, and in that case, hydrocodone stays in your system for only 3 to 5 days.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It doesn't stay long. Half-life is less than 4 hours, no wonder it's addicting:

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/hydroc...

http://www.rxabbott.com/pdf/vicodin.pdf

It is a Category C drug for Pregnancy.

http://www.drugs.com/pro/vicodin-hp.html

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category C

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Vicodin HP Tablets should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nonteratogenic Effects

Babies born to mothers who have been taking opioids regularly prior to delivery will be physically dependent. The withdrawal signs include irritability and excessive crying, tremors, hyperactive reflexes, increased respiratory rate, increased stools, sneezing, yawning, vomiting, and fever. The intensity of the syndrome does not always correlate with the duration of maternal opioid use or dose. There is no consensus on the best method of managing withdrawal.

Answer 3

Around 4 hours.

Answer 4

It doesn't stay too long, I don't think. Your body does a wonderful job at filtering it out. Still, I'd wait at least two weeks after the last dose to be certain. You'd be best off asking either your physician or an OBGYN when to stop.

Answer 5

Ask the Oral Surgeon who removed the teeth. It is different for each individual depending on age, weight, and over all health. Then factor in other meds you might be taking too.