Knowing how to identify a pill can prevent dangerous mix-ups. In the United States, almost every prescription tablet and capsule must carry an imprint: letters, numbers or a logo that, together with its color, shape and size, identifies the drug, strength and maker. Here’s how to use it, and why your refill may look different from last month’s.
How to identify a pill, step by step
- Read the imprint on both sides in good light (a magnifier helps). Note letters, numbers, symbols and any score line.
- Note the color, shape and size (in millimeters if you can).
- Check an official source. The National Library of Medicine’s DailyMed (opens in a new tab) lists each maker’s pills. On contact.doctor, each drug page shows what the pills look like for several makers, under “What it looks like”.
- Confirm with a pharmacist before taking anything you aren’t sure about. Never take a pill you can’t identify.
Why the same medicine looks different
A generic drug can be made by many companies, and each chooses its own color, shape and imprint. Your pharmacy may switch suppliers between refills, so atorvastatin 20 mg can be a white oval marked one way this month and another way next month. The medicine is the same; the label on the bottle tells you what it is. If it looks different and the label doesn’t explain why, ask the pharmacist.
Examples from our drug pages
Safety tips when you identify a pill
- Keep medicines in their labeled bottles.
- Bring all your bottles to appointments, or a list with strengths.
- Found an unknown pill? Don’t take it; ask a pharmacist, or use a drug take-back program to dispose of it.
- For suspected poisoning, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222; in an emergency, call 911.
Sources
DailyMed (opens in a new tab) (U.S. National Library of Medicine), FDA (opens in a new tab). General information, not medical advice. Related: most prescribed drugs in Medicare.