Pill Identifier (Pill Finder Wizard)

Need help with the pill finder? Click for instructions.

Pill Identification from a Doctor's Perspective

Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

In the emergency room where I work, I sometimes see patients who have either taken the wrong medication orthe wrong dose of medication. It is a common problem. Medication errors can cause serious consequences.Doctors and pharmacists are diligent in making sure patients receive the correct medication. But mistakeshappen. As a consumer, you need to protect yourself and ensure you have the correct medication. Know themedication and dose you should have received, and understand your condition.

The RxList Pill Identifier Tool will help you identify prescription, OTC, generic, and brand name drugs bypill color, size, shape, and drug imprint. Match your drug imprint (Pill ID) to the pictures and quicklyidentify your medications. If you do not find a match, call your doctor or pharmacist.

How To Use the RxList Pill Identifier/Pill Finder Tool

To accurately identify the pill, drug or medication, you can do any one, any combination of or all of thefollowing steps using our pill identifier tool.

Enter or Select from the drop down, the imprint code on the medication, (The imprint is theletters, numbers or other markings on the pill, tablet or capsule. If there are different markingson the front of back, try entering just one side. If you want to enter both, separate them with byusing the symbol * (ie: Lupin*10)).Select the color of the pill in the pull-down menu above.Select the shape of the pill in the pull-down menu above.

Once you've found a drug id match, you'll be able to link to a detailed description, drug picture, andimages in our comprehensive RxList Drug Database. You can also use the drug pictures to help identifypills.

Pill Identifier Examples of Popular Drug Pictures and ImagesGabapentin 100 mg Cap-IVA

capsule, white, imprinted with Logo 4381, 100 mg© Cerner Multum

Cymbalta 20 mg

capsule, green, imprinted with 20 mg, LILLY 3235© Cerner Multum

Zocor 5 mg

shield, yellow, imprinted with ZOCOR, MSD 726© Cerner Multum

Celexa 10 mg

oval, beige, imprinted with F P, 10 MG© Cerner Multum

Topamax 200 mg

round, peach, imprinted with TOPAMAX, 200© Cerner Multum

Top 10 Drugs Prescribed in the US and Their Side Effects

There are thousands of drugs prescribed every year for many different health problems. Tracking the mostfrequently prescribed drugs is one way to see what types of health problems predominate in the U.S. You maysee some familiar drugs on this list that you, your relatives, and friends may take. People may know whatdrug they take, but are not sure what the drug is supposed to do or what side effects may occur.Fortunately, the pharmacy industry provides a simple listing of the top 100 drugs prescribed (reference)and most of these drug's functions, side effects, precautions, dosages, and other information aredetailed at RxList.com. Listed below are the top 10 drugs prescribed in the U.S. Click on the link to getadditional detailed information on the drugs.

Top 10 Prescribed drugs in the US

Rank #Brand NameGeneric NameDrug's Major Function1Synthroidlevothyroxine sodiumTreats lowthyroid levels2Crestorrosuvastatin calciumUsed to lower LDA ("bad") cholesterol3Ventolin HFAalbuterol sulfate A bronchodilator that increases air flow to the lungs 4Nexiumesomeprazole magnesiumBlocks acid production in the stomach5Advair Diskusfluticasone and salmeterolTreats asthma and chronic bronchitis6Lantus Solostarinsulin glargine Treats type 1 and type 2 diabetes7Vyvanselisdexamfetamine dimesylateTreats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 8LyricapregabalinTreats pain from diabetes, shingles, and fibromyalgia9Spiriva Handihalertiotropium bromideTreats bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD10JanuviasitagliptinTreats type 2 diabetes

Side effects can occur with any drug; fortunately, only a small percentage of people develop one ormore side effects but some side effects may cause people to be unable to take certain drugs. Manyof the infrequent but possible side effects of the top ten prescribed drugs are listed below.

Top 10 Prescribed drugs in the US: side effects

Rank #Brand NameDrug's Possible Side Effects1VicodinSedating, habit-forming, dizziness, N/V*, impaired thinkingand function2PrinivilN/V,drycough, dizziness, drowsiness3ZocorN/V, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, muscle pain4Synthroidchestpain, tachycardia, heat intolerance, nervousness, weight loss5AmoxilAllergic reaction, diarrhea, N/V, itching, rash,confusion6ZithromaxN/V, diarrhea, abdominal pain, allergic reaction,abnormalheartbeat7MicrozideLowblood pressure,electrolytechanges, weakness,rash8Norvascheadache,swelling (legs), palpitations,dizziness, fatigue,N/V9XanaxAllergicreaction, depression,confusion, dizziness, reduced urine,chest pain10GlucophageN/V, diarrhea, gas,bloating,decreasedappetite, low glucose

*N/V means nauseaand vomiting

REFERENCES: Pharmacy Tech Study. Top 100 Drugs by total prescription.

Examples of Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the three types of drugs that are misused orabused most often are:

Opiates or Opioids – prescribed for pain reliefCentral Nervous System (CNS) Depressants – prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems (alsocalled sedatives or tranquilizers)Stimulants – prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, andobesityDrug Types: Opiates/OpioidsGeneric NamesBrand NamescodeineEmpririn With Codeine,Fiorinal with Codeine,Robitussin A-C,Tylenol with CodeinefentanylActiq,Duragesic, SublimazehydrocodoneVicodin, Lortab,Lorcethydromorphone hydrochlorideDilaudidmeperidineDemerolmethadoneMethadose, DolophinemorphineRoxanol,Duramorphoxycodone:Oxycontin,Percocet,Percodan,TyloxoxymorphoneOpana, Numorphan,NumorphonepropoxypheneDarvon,Darvocet-NDrug Types: DepressantsGeneric NamesBrand NamesbarbituratesAmytal,Nembutal,Seconal,Phenobarbital,benzodiazepinesAtivan,Halcion,Librium,Valium,Xanaxsleep medications: zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopicloneAmbien,Sonata,LunestaDrug Types: StimulantsGeneric NamesBrand NamesamphetaminesAdderall,Biphetamine,DexedrinecocaineCocaine hydrochloridemethylphenidateConcerta,Ritalin

source: www.drugabuse.gov

Pill Identification of Commonly Abused Prescription DrugsAcetaminophen-Hydrocodone 500 mg-5 mg-MAL