Last reviewed on RxList 1/6/2017
What is a Pill Identifier?
The RxList Pill Identifier is a tool that matches pill imprints to generic medicines, brand name prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications. Pharmacists and other health care professionals are diligent about ensuring that patients receive the correct medication. However, they are human, and once in a while they make mistakes. The doctor may prescribe the wrong dose or the wrong medication. Pharmacy staff may misinterpret the prescription or the wrong medication may be dispensed. There are several checks and balances to minimize medication errors, but sometimes the checks and balances fail. Medication errors can cause serious consequences.
What should you, the prudent consumer do to protect yourself?
You should make sure that you have the correct medication. Before the Internet age, pill identification was accomplished by calling a pharmacy or using pill identification books at the local library or bookstore. The Internet has made it possible for anyone to use pill identifiers (pill finder), such as the RxList Pill Identifier, to ensure that they have the correct medication. You can identify drugs by imprint, color, shape, and brand or generic name. If you do not find a match, you should call your pharmacist. Some generic drugs are manufactured by several manufacturers, and pill identification databases may not have images of all the generic versions.
For pill identifiers to be valuable, you have to know the medication and strength you should have received. Therefore, start by understanding your condition and the medication and dose your doctor has prescribed for you. Using pill identifiers and knowing what medications your doctor has prescribed will prevent you from taking the wrong medication. Pharmacists are no longer the last line of defense against medication errors; consumers are.
Using RxList Pill Identifier Tool
Find a picture of your pill using the RxList Pill Identifier Tool. We've also provided Pill Identifier examples of commonly abused drugs and popular medications.
Below is a list of commonly searched medications and drug imprint searches. Click on a link to read patient information on this drug; see pictures of the different pills prescribed; understand the potential side effects; how to take the medication, and what to do if you miss a dose.
- Ultram (tramadol)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Percocet (acetaminophen and oxycodone)
- Vicodin (acetaminophen and hydrocodone)
- Amoxil (amoxicillin)
- Prinivil (lisinopril)
- Accutane (isotretinoin)
- Deltasone (prednisone)
- Percocet (oxycodone)
- Neurontin (gabapentin)
- Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)
- Ambien (zolpidem)
- Glucophage (metformin)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
Popular Drug Imprints
Most Popular Drug Imprints
| 512 | A 215 | 2410 V |
| M 751 | 30 M | 031 |
| M 05 52 | R180 | WATSON 853 |
| V 36 01 | TL 177 | L484 |
| WATSON 349 | PLIVA 433 | 54 543 |
| AN 627 | 0659 | Watson 385 |
| M357 | 2632 V | E712 10/325 |
| GG 225 | M 4 | R 029 |
| 319 | Watson 749 | |
| 4212 V | WATSON 932 | |
| REFERENCE: U.S. Food and Drug Administration | ||
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.