If you take several different medications, it can be very difficult to keep track of which pill is designated for a particular function. Your pills may have been removed from their original container and mixed together. If you need to identify a mysterious pill, there are several resources and tools that can help you figure out what it is.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Checking Pills
Step 1. Look at the pill closely to check for any writing or print on the pill
Each pill has a specific distinguishing feature that is slightly different from other drugs. Do your pills have any special signs?
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Look for a series of printed letters or numbers.
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Pills can also be inscribed in a different color or the same color as the pill, which is affixed to the surface.
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Step 2. Note the color of the pill
Observe whether the color is dark or light, and determine the tone.
Part 2 of 4: Recognizing Pills Shapes and Sizes
Step 1. Get to know the shape of the pill
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Determine if the pill is round, oval, triangular or some other shape.
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Look at the thickness or thinness of the pill shape.
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Step 2. Estimate the size of the pill
Step 3. Determine the configuration of the drug
Medicines can be in the form of pills, capsules or gelcaps. A pill is a medicine in solid form, a capsule is two pieces filled with a powder, and a gelcap is an oval-shaped medicine filled with a liquid.
Part 3 of 4: Checking Pills in Database
Step 1. Search the database to identify the pill
There are many resources that can help you figure out what pills you have. By entering the specific characteristics of your pill, you will be able to determine the type of medicine.
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Enter the lettering, color and shape of the pill into the appropriate category.
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Step 2. Consider using an illustrated medicine book to identify pills
If you don't like looking on the internet, you can buy a special book for identifying pills at a bookstore or check out drug resource books at the library.
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Look for a picture of a pill in the book that matches the pill you don't recognize.
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Step 3. Call or visit a pharmacy
If you're still not sure, you can describe the pill to your pharmacist or take it to the pharmacy for information. Put the pills in a sealed bag and take them to the pharmacy so they can be identified.
Part 4 of 4: Checking Your Medicine Bottle
Step 1. Check if the medicine comes from a labeled bottle in your home
Open each container and look for pills that are similar to the unknown pill.
Step 2. Read the drug information provided on the prescription from the pharmacy
All pharmacies provide written information on the prescription. In some cases, a physical description of the drug can be written in this document. This can help you match the pill you have with the correct bottle.
Warning
- If the pill isn't in the database to identify the pill, it's possible that it's an illegal drug.
- Be wary when looking at the brand name and generic form of the pill. Many pharmacies offer generic drugs.
- Don't overdo it when handling pills once you find them. Overhandling can erase the writing, change the shape of the pill and can be dangerous when the pill is absorbed into the skin.
