Having trouble identifying prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), generic, and brand name pills and capsules? Quickly identify drugs and medications, including pill-identifying pictures, using the RxList Pill Identifier Tool.
Use the imprint, color, or shape of your pill (one, all or any combination of the fields below) and our Pill Identification Tool (Pill Finder) will show you pictures to review and identify your drug.
Pill Identification from a Doctor's Perspective
Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
In the emergency room, I have seen patients who have either taken the wrong medication or the wrong dose of medication. Medication errors are a common problem that can cause serious consequences. Doctors and pharmacists are diligent in making sure patients receive the correct medication, but mistakes can happen. As a consumer, you need to protect yourself and ensure you have the correct medication. Know the medication and dose you should have received, and understand your medical conditions.
The RxList Pill Identifier Tool will help you identify prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), generic, and brand name drugs by pill color, size, shape, and drug imprint. Match your drug imprint (Pill ID) to the pictures and quickly identify your medications. If you do not find a match, call your doctor or pharmacist.
How To Use the RxList Pill Identifier/Pill Finder Tool
To accurately identify the pill, drug or medication, you can do any one, any combination of, or all of the following steps using our Pill Identification Tool.
- The imprint is the letters, numbers or other markings on the pill, tablet or capsule. If there are different markings on the front of back, try entering just one side. If you want to enter both, separate them with by using the symbol * (i.e.: Lupin*10).
- Select the color of the pill in the pull-down menu above.
- Select the shape of the pill in the pull-down menu above.
Once you've found a drug id match, you'll be able to link to a detailed description, drug picture, and images in our comprehensive RxList Drug Database. You can also use the drug pictures to help identify pills.
Top 10 Drugs Prescribed in the US and Their Side Effects
There are thousands of drugs prescribed every year for many different health problems. Tracking the most frequently prescribed drugs is one way to see what types of health problems predominate in the U.S. You may see some familiar drugs on this list that you, your relatives, and friends may take. People may know what drug they take, but are not sure what the drug is supposed to do or what side effects may occur. Fortunately, the pharmacy industry provides a simple listing of the top 100 drugs prescribed and most of these drug's functions, side effects, precautions, dosages, and other information are detailed at RxList.com. Listed below are the top 10 drugs prescribed in the U.S. Click on the link to get additional detailed information on the drugs.
Top 10 Prescribed drugs in the US
| Rank # | Brand Name | Generic Name | Drug's Major Function |
| 1 | Atorvaliq, Lipitor | atorvastatin | Used to lower LDA ("bad") cholesterol |
| 2 | Riomet, Glumetza | metformin | Used to treat symptoms of type 2 diabetes |
| 3 | Synthroid, Unithroid | levothyroxine | Used to treat hypothyroidism |
| 4 | Qbrelis, Zestril, Prinivil | lisinopril | Used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) |
| 5 | Norvasc | amlodipine | Used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) |
| 6 | Lopressor, Toprol XL | metoprolol | Used to treat the symptoms of hypertension, heart attack, congestive heart failure, angina |
| 7 | Albuterol Sulfate | albuterol | Used to treat asthma symptoms |
| 8 | Cozaar | losartan | Used to treat high blood pressure and to help protect kidneys from damage due to diabetes |
| 9 | Gralise, Neurontin | gabapentin | Used to relieve nerve pain following shingles in adults (post herpetic neuralgia) |
| 10 | Prilosec | omeprazole | Used to treat frequent heartburn |
Side effects can occur with any drug; fortunately, only a small percentage of people develop one or more side effects but some side effects may cause people to be unable to take certain drugs. Many of the infrequent but possible side effects of the top ten prescribed drugs are listed below.
Top 10 Prescribed drugs in the US: side effects
| Rank # | Brand Name | Drug's Possible Side Effects |
| 1 | atorvastatin | diarrhea, runny/stuffy nose, joint pain, insomnia |
| 2 | metformin | low blood sugar, nausea, upset stomach |
| 3 | lisinopril | anxiety, dizziness, cough, headache, diarrhea |
| 4 | levothyroxine | chest pain, joint pain, flushing, fast heart rate, palpitations, irregular heartbeat |
| 5 | amlodipine | swelling (edema), headache, fatigue, palpitations, dizziness |
| 6 | metoprolol | dizziness, tiredness, depression, confusion, memory problems, trouble sleeping |
| 7 | albuterol | increased blood pressure, nervousness, insomnia, nausea/vomiting, headache, dizzines |
| 8 | losartan | fatigue, low blood sugar, urinary tract infection (UTI), chest pain, diarrhea |
| 9 | gabapentin | lack of muscle coordination, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, double vision |
| 10 | sertraline | diarrhea, nausea, headache, insomnia, dizziness |
*N/V means nausea and vomiting
REFERENCES: ClinCalc DrugStats Database.
Examples of Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the three types of drugs that are misused or abused most often are:
- Opiates or Opioids – prescribed for pain relief
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants – prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems (also called sedatives or tranquilizers)
- Stimulants – prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity
| Drug Types: Opiates/Opioids | |
| Generic Names | Brand Names |
| codeine | Fiorinal with Codeine, Robitussin A-C, Tylenol with Codeine |
| fentanyl | Actiq, Duragesic |
| hydrocodone | Hysingla ER, Vicodin, Zohydro ER |
| hydromorphone hydrochloride | Dilaudid |
| meperidine | Demerol |
| methadone | Methadose |
| morphine | Avinza, Duramorph |
| oxycodone | Oxaydo, Xtampza ER |
| oxymorphone | Opana |
| propoxyphene | Darvon, Darvocet-N |
| Drug Types: Depressants | |
| Generic Names | Brand Names |
| barbiturates | Amytal, Phenobarbital |
| benzodiazepines | Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax |
| sleep medications: zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopiclone | Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta |
| Drug Types: Stimulants | |
| Generic Names | Brand Names |
| amphetamines | Adderall, Biphetamine, Dexedrine |
| cocaine | Cocaine Hydrochloride |
| methylphenidate | Concerta, Ritalin |
source: www.drugabuse.gov
Please note that any drugs that show an expired or past expiration date should be discarded. Many pharmacies now have a drug discard box at their locations so you can safely dispose of the outdated medications.