How long does it take for a medication to leave your system?

Asked by laurenkem (3408

) June 7th, 2012

I have a prescription for the pain medication Lortab. I’ve never ever taken one until last night, when my back pain was so bad, I thought I was going to pass out. Turns out that I can not tolerate this particular drug, and spent the rest of last night in and out of the bathroom vomiting profusely.

When I woke up this morning, I expected to feel better, but I did not and, in fact, knew I was dehydrated from so much vomiting last night. So I managed to drink Gatorade in an attempt to rehydrate myself and quell the nausea, but I still can’t eat anything and I feel kind of wobbly and out of it, if you will.

Does anyone know how long the effects of this one dose will take to wear off?

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3 Answers

1. Call your doctor right away.
2. This question found one answer that the half-life is 4 hours, but it can remain in your system up to 72 hours.

Hawaii_Jake (37734

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You can find out the specifics about half life etc of ANY drug in PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) available in most libraries.

But it’s a common enough med so it’s probably easier to get hold of a pharmacist. Or, as advised, call your doctor.

But most painkillers have a clear warning on the label to take it WITH FOOD.

If you didn’t do that, it may not be that your body can’t tolerate this med. It just can’t tolerate it on an empty stomach.

The nausea you still have may have little to do with the medication at this point in time, but more caused by the initial irritation to your stomach lining which takes awhile to settle down.

Buttonstc (27605

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