How to Use a Pill Identifier App to Check Your Medications

Identify unknown pills by their shape, color, and markings using your phone.

In this guide (4 steps):

1.When do you need to identify a pill?
2.Use the free Drugs.com pill identifier
3.Use your phone's camera to identify a pill
4.Understand the results and stay safe

When do you need to identify a pill?

~30s

There are times when you need to figure out what a pill is: - You dropped a pill and it got mixed up with other medications - Your pharmacy gave you a new generic brand that looks different - You found a pill and want to know what it is before throwing it away safely - You want to double-check that you received the right medication A pill identifier helps you figure out what a medication is based on its shape, color, and the numbers or letters printed on it.

Use the free Drugs.com pill identifier

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The easiest way to identify a pill is with the free tool on Drugs.com. 1. Open your web browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.) 2. Go to drugs.com/pill_identification.html 3. Look at the pill and note: - The **imprint** — any letters, numbers, or logos stamped on the pill - The **color** — white, blue, yellow, etc. - The **shape** — round, oval, capsule, etc. 4. Enter the imprint first (this is the most important piece) 5. Select the color and shape from the dropdown menus 6. Tap "Search" 7. The results will show you pictures of matching pills with the drug name, strength, and manufacturer

Quick Tip

The imprint (letters and numbers on the pill) is the most reliable way to identify a medication. Enter it exactly as you see it.

Use your phone's camera to identify a pill

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Some apps let you take a photo of a pill to identify it. **GoodRx app** (free): 1. Download "GoodRx" from the App Store or Google Play Store 2. Open the app and tap "Pill Identifier" 3. Take a clear photo of the pill on a plain white background 4. The app will try to match it **Google Lens** (free, built into most Android phones): 1. Open Google Lens (or open Google and tap the camera icon) 2. Point your camera at the pill 3. Google will search for matching images and information Camera-based identification is not always perfect, so always verify the results with the imprint search method described in the previous step.

Understand the results and stay safe

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Once you identify a pill: 1. **Verify it matches your prescription** — Check that the drug name and strength match what your doctor prescribed 2. **Check for look-alikes** — Some pills look very similar. Make sure the imprint matches exactly. 3. **Ask your pharmacist if unsure** — If you are still not certain, take the pill to your pharmacist. They can identify it quickly and for free. 4. **Dispose of unknown pills safely** — If you cannot identify a pill, do not take it. Mix it with coffee grounds or dirt in a sealed bag and throw it in the trash. You can also drop it off at a drug take-back location (find one at DEA.gov).

Warning

Never take a pill unless you are sure what it is. If you have any doubts, call your pharmacist or doctor before taking it.

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