Identifying Pills: A Comprehensive Guide to Markings, Color & Shape

Anyone who takes prescription or over-the-counter pills knows how difficult it is to identify a pill without its original container. If you have stored pills in an unmarked bottle, found an unidentified tablet in your teenager's pocket or question whether the pharmacy has given you the right medication, you need to identify the pill by its appearance. There are methods available to assist you in doing this.

Instructions

• 1

  The color, shape and markings on a pill enable you to identify it.

  Look at the pill. The color, shape and markings on the pill are your key to identifying the medication. If the markings are hard to read, use a magnifying glass to be sure what you're looking at.

• 2

  Use a pill identification website. Enter the shape, color and any identifying marks into the search. Hit search. The site will provide information on the identity of the pill. Use these sites to identify prescription and over-the-counter medications.

• 3

  Consult a pill identification book if you do not have Internet access. "The Pill Book" by Harold M. Silverman and the "Physician's Desk Reference" contain photos of pills, which are helpful.

• 4

  Take the pill to your pharmacist. Ask him to identify the pill in question.