There is no universal set of rules that govern the appearance of pills, so it is impossible to identify purely based on shape or color. Although most pills have imprints on them (in the form of letters, numbers or shapes) that can be used to ascertain the pill's identity, these may be difficult to interpret. However, pills can be identified based on their appearance by using databases that can match up the pill's information to its name and manufacturer.
Step 1
Write down all of the details of the pill that you can identify, including the color, shape and any writing or other imprints on either side of the pill. Make sure you look at both sides of the pill because some pills have imprints on both sides.
Step 2
Enter the pill information into a pill database with a search function. Two websites, Drugs.com and Rxlist.com, have free databases with search features that are available to the public.
Step 3
Compare results from the database with your pill. Drugs.com gives images of every pill that matches your description, so you can compare your pill with their results.
Step 4
If you cannot find your pill on an online database, take the pill to your pharmacist, who may be able to use a more comprehensive and current database. Your pharmacist may also be able to tell if the pill is not from a pharmaceutical company (if it is crudely made and has little or no identifying imprints).
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