Imprints make it easy to determine what kind of pill you have. All you have to do is enter the numbers and letters into a pill identification tool. Reliable databases can provide accurate information within seconds.
If, for instance, you find a pill that says "100 MG" on one side and "G 4910" on the other, then you know that you have found 100 mg of sertraline hydrochloride, which is more commonly known as generic Zoloft.
Some times, however, you don't have the luxury of an easy-to-read imprint. The pill could be old, or maybe it never had an imprint at all. In these instances, you can search for the drug's name by entering identifying features of the drug. This doesn't always provide specific results as easily as searching for imprints, but it should give you a list of options that will help you identify the pill in your possession.
For instance, if you have a yellow pill in the shape of an oval, then you can enter those features into the pill identification search engine. These are fairly common attributes, so the tool will probably give you a large number of possible matches. Once you have the possible matches, though, it becomes much easier to determine the specific type of pill that you have, especially when the pill identification tool provides pictures of each option. From the above features, your search will likely provide results such as Endocet, Percocet, Meloxicam, and sertraline. Although these pills resemble each other, you will quickly be able to recognize sertraline over the others.
Pill identification tools vary in usefulness. Some contain more search parameters than others. After researching online identification tools, you will also find that some of them only contain information about legitimate prescription drugs. Other tools also provide information about common drugs that are sold illegally. This is helpful for parents who might find a few pills in a teenager's room. It is important to note, however, that illegally manufactured drugs can vary significantly in appearance. In these instances, you might need a chemical drug identification kit or even assistance from a drug laboratory.
Pill identification tools will undoubtedly become more important as people take more responsibility for their health. Knowing what types of pills you have been prescribed can help you determine how each one affects you and whether you have been given medications that might have dangerous side effects. If you ever have any doubts about the results of your pill identification tool, then you can always play it safe by consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
