How to Find the Identity of a Prescription Pill

Several different companies manufacture medications, of which there are thousands of different types. It's easy to get confused. If you find a pill that isn't yours, don't take it. Even if you've identified it and know what it is, it could react badly with your body or with the other medications you're taking.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection

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Instructions

• 1

  Log-on to www.drugs.com. Click the tab located toward the top of the page that says Pill Identifier.

• 2

  Scroll through the waiver that basically says, "Drugs.com is not responsible for whatever decision you make with the pill after you've identified it". Click I Agree if you agree.

• 3

  Type in the numbers and letters imprinted onto the pill in the box labeled Imprint(s). A pill without an imprint may be an over-the-counter drug, which will make it much more difficult to identify.

• 4

  Choose the color and shape of the pill, then click Search. Review the results to see if any of the pictures match your pill. Because lots of pills look similar and even have similar markings, make sure you look very closely.

• 5

  Refrain from taking a pill about which you're unsure. It's not only potentially harmful but also illegal to take prescription medication that isn't yours. If you had to go to the hospital, authorities might find out you took someone else's drugs and press charges against you.