How to Identify Pills by Code

All pills have codes imprinted on them.

All pills have a code on them, which is also called the imprint. The imprint is a series of numbers and letters that allow the pills to be identified even when they have been removed from their labeled bottles. Identifying pill codes is critical, because many pills look similar but have very different effects on the body. If you have a pill but don't know what it is, you can look up the code in a drug database to identify it.

Things You'll Need

• Magnifying glass
• Drug reference book (optional)

Instructions

1. Look at the pill carefully and write down a description of the appearance. For example, include the shape of the pill, such as round, oval or capsule form. In addition, write down the color of the pill.

2. Hold the pill in your hand and examine the surface with the use of a magnifying glass. Write down any numbers and letters, as well as any company logos that may be on the surface of the pill.

3. Turn the pill over and look for the dosage amount, which will look similar to 25mg. The dosage amount is also an important factor in identifying pills.

4. Visit an online drug reference database, such as the one listed in the resources section, and enter the information that you gathered. The database will identify the name of the pill, what illnesses it treats and all other pertinent information about it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have access to a computer, you can look the codes up the index of a drug reference book available at bookstores or the public library.

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that all oral pills and tablets contain imprint codes. Never take any pills that do not have imprints on them.

References

• Rx List: RxList Pill Identification Tool
• Drugs: Drug Imprints

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Drugs: Pill Identifier