Many homes today have multiple medications, whether over the counter or prescription, and if one is not in a labeled container, it can be challenging to figure out what it is and when it should be used. It’s important to never take medications without knowing what they are, but how can someone find out what the medication is? There are a few things they can do to figure out what the pill is and what it’s used for before deciding what to do with it.
Reasons Drug Identifications May be Needed
Occasionally, someone will find a random pill that was dropped earlier, and they may not be sure which drug it is since it’s not in the packaging anymore. If there is damage to the prescription bottle, it may not be possible to read what the prescription is to be able to get information from the doctor about how and when to take the medication. There may also be a situation where it looks like the wrong medication was dispensed at the pharmacy. There are numerous reasons why someone may need to use a drug identification system to find out what a pill is, and it can be a great tool for quickly identifying any pills in the home.
In certain individuals, difficulty identifying or managing medications may be especially important when they have an underlying immune-system condition. For example, those with a genetic disorder known as primary immunodeficiency are more vulnerable to infections, making correct identification of their prescriptions crucial for effective care.
Look at the Identifying Markers
To identify any pill, it’s important to look at the basic identifying markers. Each medication will be different, so these can help narrow down the options to determine the exact type of medication. Some of the identifying markers include the following.
- The Type of Pill – There are different types of pills, like solid medications or capsules. Check to see if the pill is a pressed shape, has a capsule holding the different components, or if it’s a different type.
- The Size of the Medication – The size of a medication can often be used to help determine the dosage once it’s possible to figure out what the drug is and how it’s used.
- The Color of the Pill – Different manufacturers may use different colors for their medications, so this can be an easy way to narrow down the possibilities.
- Any Number or Letters – Most medications will have letters or numbers on them that relate to the specific type of medication. This can make it easier to narrow down the possibilities and determine the exact type or brand.
Compare with Prescription Records
It is a good idea to keep detailed medical records, including records of prescriptions used in the household. If an unidentified pill is noticed or the prescription doesn’t look the same as it used to, the records can be used to help determine the type of pill or to see what the pill should be in case of a mix-up. If the person doesn’t have physical copies of their prescription records, they may be able to find them online or request them from the pharmacy.
If a pill doesn’t look like it usually does or an unidentified pill is discovered in the house, it may be a good idea to use a drug identifier to find out what it is and what it’s typically used for. This can help you determine if it’s something that needs to be disposed of carefully, if it’s something you need to throw away, or if it’s a medication that needs to be replaced. Check out a drug identification system now to see how they work.
