How to Identify Unknown Pills: A Complete Guide

Why Pill Identification Matters

Finding an unknown pill can be concerning. Maybe you discovered a loose tablet in your medicine cabinet, or you're helping a family member organize their medications. Knowing exactly what a pill is before taking it is crucial for safety.

Common Ways to Identify Pills

There are several methods to identify unknown medications:

Physical Characteristics

Every prescription medication in the United States has unique identifying features:

• Color and shape
• Imprint codes (letters and numbers)
• Size and scoring marks
• Manufacturer logos

Using a Pill Identification App

Modern technology has made pill identification easier than ever. Apps like Medikle use AI and image recognition to identify pills from photos.

Online Pill Databases

The FDA and various pharmaceutical websites maintain searchable databases where you can look up medications by their imprint codes.

Step-by-Step Pill Identification

Step 1: Examine the Pill

Look closely at the pill and note its:

• Color (be specific — is it light blue or dark blue?)
• Shape (round, oval, oblong, capsule, etc.)
• Any imprint codes or logos
• Whether it's coated or uncoated
• If it has a score line

Step 2: Use Technology

Open Medikle and use the camera feature to snap a photo. The app will analyze the image and provide potential matches within seconds.

Step 3: Verify the Results

Cross-reference the identification with official sources. When in doubt, consult your pharmacist.

Safety Tips

• Never take an unknown medication
• Keep medications in their original containers
• Dispose of expired or unidentified pills properly
• When in doubt, ask a pharmacist

When to Seek Help

If you can't identify a pill or suspect medication tampering, contact your local pharmacy or poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the US).

Conclusion

Pill identification doesn't have to be stressful. With the right tools and knowledge, you can quickly and safely identify any medication. Download Medikle to have instant pill identification at your fingertips.