ID

Free Pill Identifier by Imprint

Look up unknown pills by imprint code, color, and shape — then confirm with a pharmacist before taking anything.

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How to identify a pill safely

Start with the imprint — that is the strongest clue. Color and shape help when several drugs share similar markings. Treat every online match as a lead, not a diagnosis.

  1. 1

    Read the imprint

    Copy every letter and number on one or both sides.

  2. 2

    Note color & shape

    These narrow down look-alike pills.

  3. 3

    Search & compare

    Use this tool for likely matches — not a final answer.

  4. 4

    Confirm with a pharmacist

    Bring the pill in person when possible.

  5. 5

    Check interactions

    Screen it against your other medications.

When you should not guess

  • The imprint is worn off, missing, or hard to read.
  • Someone may have ingested a pill by accident — call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (U.S.).
  • The pill looks different from what you usually take (possible mix-up or counterfeit).
  • You found medication that is not yours — do not take it to “try.”

Common imprint examples

L484

L484

Acetaminophen 500 mg

white oval

IBU 200

IBU 200

Ibuprofen 200 mg

brown round

M367

M367

Hydrocodone / acetaminophen

white oval

GG 249

GG 249

Alprazolam 2 mg

white bar

Frequently asked questions

How do I identify an unknown pill?

Note every letter and number imprinted on the pill, plus its color and shape. Enter those details into a pill identifier for likely matches. For the most accurate identification, bring the pill to a pharmacist — similar imprints can appear on different drugs.

Is online pill identification reliable?

Online tools can suggest likely matches but are not 100% reliable. Look-alike pills and counterfeit tablets exist. Never take an unidentified pill based on an online result alone.

What is a pill imprint?

An imprint is the text, numbers, or logo stamped on a prescription or OTC tablet or capsule. U.S. manufacturers use unique imprint combinations so pharmacists and patients can identify the drug and strength.

What if my pill has no imprint?

Most U.S. prescription tablets must have an imprint. A blank pill may be a vitamin, supplement, compounded medication, or something unsafe. Do not take it — ask a pharmacist or poison control.

Can I identify a pill by color alone?

Color helps narrow results but is not enough. Many drugs share colors. Always combine imprint, color, and shape — then confirm with a pharmacist before taking anything.

Related medication safety guides

Next: check drug interactions

Once you know what a pill likely is, screen it against your full medication list — prescriptions, OTC, and supplements.

This tool is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional pill identification by a pharmacist or healthcare provider. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (U.S.) for ingestion concerns.