How to Identify Rx Drugs
Prescription drugs come in all sizes, colors and shapes. What if you find a pill you can't identify? Years ago, unknown Rx drugs would have been difficult to identify without consulting a pharmacist, but today there are several easy-to-use online databases to help.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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Using an Online Database
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1
Several websites, including Drugs.com, Rxlist.com and Healthline.com, carry free comprehensive listings of prescription drugs.
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2
On the website, enter the imprint. Look at the imprints--marks stamped into the pill--that typically identify manufacturer, drug and/or dosage. On a small pill, the markings can be very difficult to read. And some logo imprints can be mistaken because the stylized letters make it difficult to determine which way is up. Pills might be marked on one or both sides, and some are bisected by a deep line for easy and accurate cutting. Imprints might be numbers, letters, lines, symbols or any combination. Some pills have no imprint, but there are other means of identification. Fill in as much information as you can in the imprint field.
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3
Enter the color. Pill color is an important identifier. Color is often a code that identifies dosage. Identifying the color code can help you determine whether it is your correct dosage.
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4
Enter the shape. Choices are oblong, round, elliptical, square, rectangular, barrel-shaped, triangular, U-shaped, figure 8 (oblong pinched in the middle), heart-shaped, kidney-shaped, gear-shaped, character-shaped, or with five, six, seven or eight sides.
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5
Submit the information, and compare the description and picture results to the drug you're trying to identify.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If the pill is marked on both sides and you don't find a match, try entering the imprints from one side only. If you are unsure of the shape or color--pink and peach can look very similar--try searching without that information. Sites that help you identify Rx drugs often carry other useful information, such as lists of drugs, medication interactions and side effects, and the latest drug news. If you have the name of the name of the drug and want to know its purpose, you will be able to find that information on the same sites. If all else fails, consult a pharmacist.
