How to Identify Medications by Shape and Size

If you take more than one prescription or over-the-counter medication, you probably know how easily you can confuse one medication with another. Many pills are similar in shape, size and color, and it isn't always possible to tell them apart outside of their original containers just by looking. However, taking the wrong pill at the wrong time can be dangerous. It is imperative that you identify every medication you are unsure about. Luckily, that is a quick and painless process once you know what to do.

Instructions

• 1

  A pharmacist or pharmacy tech will assist you with medication identification.

  Check with your pharmacist. If you have any question about the identity of a medication, take it to your pharmacist for identification. The pharmacist understands better than anyone the importance of taking the proper medication at the correct time, and he or she will be glad to assist you in sorting out your medication.

• 2

  Check out "The Pill Book" by Harold M. Silverman. Choose the latest version -- the 14th edition -- of this book, which was published in April 2010. Using the most recent version is important for identification of medications that are relatively new on the market. Mr. Silverman is also the author of "The Vitamin Book," which enables you to identify nutritional supplements. You can also reference the "Physician's Desk Reference," published annually and available at your local library.

• 3

  Use a medication identification website to look up prescription and non-prescription pills. These sites ask you to input information such as the size, shape and color of medication, as well as any markings on the pill. Once you've entered the information, click the "Search" or "OK" button to display the suggestions.