Finding a prescription pill and not knowing what it is can be disconcerting. Although some pills have their name or an abbreviation of their name printed on the pill, others have little or no information. Fortunately, pills can commonly be identified by their characteristics, which include their shape, color and other identifying markings. There are many online resources that can help you identify a prescription drug by its shape and other aspects.
Step 1
Look for an organ shape. In a few rare cases, the pill may be shaped like the organ it affects. For example, heart-shaped pills typically are beta-blockers, which are used to prevent heart attacks. Kidney shaped pills are typically diuretics, which cause the kidneys to excrete extra fluid, helping to control blood pressure.
Step 2
Compare the databases results with your pill. Enter the pill's information into an online pill identifier. There are several databases (see Resources) that can identify a pill based on its shape, color, and imprints. Take a pill with you to a computer with internet access (if you can) or write down the color, shape and any markings that you can observe.
Step 3
Consult a pharmacist. In some cases, a pharmacist may be able to identify a pill by its shape and imprint.
