How to Identify Rx Pills

You find a prescription bottle in your medicine cabinet and the prescription label is faded. Inside are some pink pills but you cannot remember their purpose. Most pills have characteristic imprint codes on them to facilitate identification. Equipped with the right tools, you may be able to identify them. As a general rule, periodically check your medicine cabinet for expired, re-bottled or, as in this case, unidentified pills.

Things You'll Need

• Unidentified pills
• Magnifying glass
• Computer with Internet connection

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Instructions

• 1

  Use a magnifying glass to read imprint codes.

  Examine the pills carefully. Hold them under the magnifying glass to read any imprint codes on one or both sides of the pill.

• 2

  Use your computer and Internet browser to search for a pill identification program such as the Pill Identifier or the Pill Identification Tool (see Resources).

• 3

  Type in the imprint code found on the pills or the shape and color. Submit your search. You should obtain a list of drugs that match your description.

• 4

  Never take pills you are not sure of; rather, consult with your doctor.

  Evaluate the results carefully to determine which pill matches your description. If unsure, call your pharmacist or medical provider.