Finding an unknown pill can be concerning, whether you discover it in your home, a loved one’s belongings, or out in public. Medications come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, making it difficult to determine what a pill is just by looking at it.
Fortunately, there are ways to identify a mystery pill safely and accurately. This guide will walk you through the steps to determine what a pill might be, when you should seek professional help, and how to dispose of unknown or unused medications properly.
When Pill Identification is Needed
You may find yourself in various situations that require you to identify and unknown pill. These include:
- Uncertainty about a medication – If there has been a mix up and you don’t recognize a medication, you may accidentally take the wrong medication or mix medications that should not be combined.
- Finding a pill you don’t recognize – If you’ve found an unmarked pill in your home or someone else’s, you may want to know what it is. Whether you suspect someone of drug abuse and are concerned or you simply want to find its rightful owner, you may want to identify it.
- Accidental ingestion – If a child or pet has swallowed a pill, it’s crucial to identify it quickly to ensure their safety. In these cases, contact a poison control center or a healthcare provider immediately.
- Taking medication from someone else – Sometimes, people take medications from others, either intentionally or unintentionally. If you’re given a pill by someone else, it’s important to identify it before taking it to avoid any dangerous interactions or overdoses.
- Expired or discontinued medications – Medications that are expired or no longer available can sometimes look similar to current ones. Identifying the pill can help prevent the use of outdated or harmful medication.
Exploring the Risks of Taking an Unknown Pill
Taking an unknown pill is risky and should never be done without knowing exactly what it is. You can’t predict how your body will react to it. Some pills have side effects that could be severe or life-threatening, especially if you’re taking other medications.
If you take a pill that you think is something else, you might end up with a dangerous dose of the wrong substance. For example, if you mistake a prescription painkiller for something else, it could lead to an accidental overdose.
Additionally, if the pill is not from a licensed source, it could be a counterfeit or an illegal drug. These pills might contain harmful substances that can lead to serious health problems or even death.
Finally, different medications can interact with each other, sometimes leading to harmful effects. Taking an unknown pill might cause a dangerous drug interaction if you’re already on other medications.
Ways to Identify a Mystery Pill
If you found the pill in a bottle or blister pack, check the label for details. Prescription and over-the-counter medications will list the drug name, dosage, and manufacturer. If the label is missing or unclear, compare the pill inside to any images on the packaging to see if they match.
If you don’t have the label, you can take the following steps:
Note the Shape and Color
Start by looking at the pill closely. Check the color, shape, size, and any numbers or letters printed on it. These characteristics are often unique to specific medications.
Pills can come in any color. They may also come in numerous shapes, including:
- Round
- Oval
- Triangular
- Rectangular
Some pills are scored, with one or more lines dividing it up into equal sections. Others are solid. Additionally, some pills come in capsule form, encasing a fine powder or bead-like substance.
The letters and numbers on the pill are part of a unique ID that is assigned to all legal pills. This is the best identifier.
Look Up the Imprint Code
Most prescription and over-the-counter pills have imprints—a combination of numbers, letters, or both—on one or both sides. These imprints can help identify the pill. If the pill is not imprinted, it might be a vitamin, supplement, or illegal drug.
To identify the pill, you can use an online pill identifier. There are several trustworthy pill identifier tools available online.
Try a Free Pill Identifier Tool
Many reputable websites online have free pill identifier tools. These are accurate and easy to use. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Medscape Pill Identifier
- RxList Pill Identifier
- RXResource.org
Steps to Take if You Can’t Identify the Pill
If you can’t find the pill online or aren’t sure about the result, consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can help you identify it accurately.
Additionally, if you’ve found the pill in a medicine bottle or packaging, look for the label to verify the contents. Be sure to check the medication name, dosage, and instructions to ensure it’s the correct pill. If the bottle is old or the label is worn, check the expiration date—expired medications can lose effectiveness or even become harmful.
If you’re still unsure about the pill’s identity:
- Call Poison Control – In the U.S., you can call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.
- Visit a local pharmacy – Many pharmacies have pill identification resources and can help you confirm what the medication is.
- Don’t take the pill – If you can’t identify the pill, do not take it under any circumstances. The risks of an unknown medication far outweigh any potential benefits.
How to Dispose of Unused Medications Safely
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website provides guidance for the safe disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medications. They recommend:
- Using a drug take-back program – The best way to dispose of medications is through a local drug take-back program. Many pharmacies, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies offer these programs to safely collect and dispose of unused medications. The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is another great option, held twice a year at designated collection sites.
- At-home disposal – If you have to dispose of them at home, grind up your medications and mix them into dirt, cat litter, or coffee grounds in a sealed container or plastic bag.
For disposal of inhalers or empty pill bottles, those can be recycled.
Even if a medication was prescribed to you and you no longer need it, never give it to someone else. What’s safe for you could be harmful—or even deadly—for someone else.
Improperly disposing of medications—like flushing non-flushable drugs or throwing them in the trash without sealing them properly—can harm the environment. Water supplies can become contaminated, and wildlife can be exposed to harmful substances. Using proper disposal methods helps protect both people and the planet.
Find Help for Substance Use
Are you or a loved one struggling with substance abuse? Our team at First Step Behavioral Health can help. When you call us, we’ll verify your insurance, assess your needs, and help you choose the right treatment program for you. Contact us today to get started.
References:
- FDA: Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Take Back Day
