Quick answer
Hydrocodone (Norco, Vicodin) is typically detectable in urine for 1–4 days after any use. It is screened on standard 5-panel, 10-panel, 12-panel drug tests.
Screened on: 5-panel 10-panel 12-panel
Typical cutoff: Detected on semi-synthetic opiate slots (typically 100 ng/mL hydromorphone/hydrocodone family) on expanded panels.
Detection window by test type
| urine | |
|---|---|
| Any use | 1–4 days |
| saliva | |
| Any use | 1–2 days |
| hair | |
| Any use | up to 90 days |
| blood | |
| Any use | ~24 hours |
Ranges reflect typical published detection windows and vary with dose, frequency, body composition, hydration and the assay used.
Key details
Vicodin/Norco combine hydrocodone with acetaminophen. Hydrocodone partially registers on broad opiate assays (it metabolizes to hydromorphone, which cross-reacts), but dedicated semi-synthetic strips on 10/12-panel cups catch it reliably.
Prescriptions verify through the MRO process identically to other opioids.
False positives & cross-reactivity
- Poppy-seed morphine does not create hydrocodone positives; the strips are specific.
Frequently asked questions
How long does hydrocodone (norco, vicodin) stay in your system?
In urine, typical detection is 1–4 days (any use). Hair can detect use for up to 90 days and saliva/blood windows are usually shorter.
Will hydrocodone (norco, vicodin) show up on a standard drug test?
Yes — Hydrocodone (Norco, Vicodin) is screened on standard panels (5-panel, 10-panel, 12-panel).
Can anything cause a false positive for hydrocodone (norco, vicodin)?
Poppy-seed morphine does not create hydrocodone positives; the strips are specific.
How accurate are these detection windows?
They are typical ranges from published literature and assay documentation, not guarantees. Clearance depends on dose, frequency, metabolism and the specific test cutoff used.
Related substances
Cite this page
DrugPanels. “Hydrocodone (Norco, Vicodin) Detection Time.” https://drugpanels.com/detection/hydrocodone/. Accessed 2026-09-10.
Sources
- FDA drug labeling and pharmacokinetic data (DailyMed) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- SAMHSA drug testing resources and analyte specifications — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — samhsa.gov
Detection windows describe typical ranges from the published literature and assay documentation; individual results vary. See our methodology.