How to Identify Unknown Pills: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Identifying Unknown Pills Is Important

Unknown pills can be:

• Expired or contaminated
• Counterfeit medications
• Illegal drugs
• Dangerous in combination with your medications
• Dangerous for children if accidentally ingested
• Harmful if you have certain medical conditions

Physical Characteristics to Examine

1. Shape

• Round: Most common, typically tablets
• Oval/Elliptical: Often for larger doses
• Oblong: Common for pain relievers
• Capsule: Two-part, often contains powder
• Diamond: Some heart or allergy medications
• Square: Less common, specialty medications
• Hexagonal: Very rare, some specialized drugs

2. Color

Color can be a major identifier. Common medication colors:

• White: Pain relievers, antibiotics, supplements
• Red/Pink: Often pain medications, antidepressants
• Blue: Often heart medications, erectile dysfunction
• Yellow: Supplements, some anti-anxiety medications
• Orange: Antibiotics, some pain relievers
• Green: Anxiety medications, some antibiotics
• Purple/Violet: Some antidepressants, seizure medications
• Brown/Tan: Some antibiotics, supplements

3. Size

• Small (under 5mm)
• Medium (5-10mm)
• Large (over 10mm)
• Note: Size doesn't always correlate with dosage

4. Imprint Code

This is the MOST IMPORTANT identifier. Imprints can include:

• Numbers only (e.g., "500")
• Letters only (e.g., "TYLENOL")
• Combination (e.g., "APO 50")
• Symbols or manufacturer logos
• Strength indicators (e.g., "250mg")

Step-by-Step Identification Process

Step 1: Document the Physical Appearance

• Take a clear photo from multiple angles
• Write down: color, shape, size
• Note any markings, lines, or scores
• Check both sides of the pill

Step 2: Record the Imprint Code

• Write down EXACTLY what you see
• Include spaces, punctuation, symbols
• Note if imprint is on one or both sides
• Check for any additional markings

Step 3: Use Pill Identification Resources

Online Pill Identifiers:

• Drugs.com Pill Identifier: Enter imprint, shape, color
• PillAssist: Search by various characteristics
• FDA Orange Book: Official pharmaceutical database
• Your Medicine Finder Tool: Use our pill identifier

Step 4: Search the Imprint Code

• Search "[imprint code] pill" on Google
• Use quotation marks for exact matches
• Include color and shape in search
• Check multiple sources for confirmation

Step 5: Verify the Result

• Check multiple sources confirm same result
• Verify the strength (mg) matches
• Confirm the shape and color match descriptions
• Read side effects and warnings

Common Pill Imprints and What They Mean

Imprint	Medicine	Strength	Type
TYLENOL 500	Paracetamol	500mg	Pain/Fever
500	Metformin	500mg	Diabetes
VIAGRA 100	Sildenafil	100mg	ED
ASPIRIN 81	Aspirin	81mg	Heart

What to Do When You Identify the Pill

• Research side effects and interactions
• Check if it interacts with your other medications
• Confirm it's safe for you to take
• Check expiry date if visible
• Consult your pharmacist or doctor
• Never take if unsure about authenticity

When to Contact Poison Control

Call your local poison control center if:

• You cannot identify the pill
• A child has ingested an unknown pill
• You suspect the pill is counterfeit or contaminated
• The pill doesn't match the expected medication
• You're experiencing unexpected symptoms

Prevention Tips

• Always keep medicines in original containers with labels
• Label multiple medications clearly
• Use a pill organizer with dates/times
• Take a photo of your medications for reference
• Educate family about unidentified pills
• Dispose of old medications properly