Why prescription pills come in different colors: what size, shape, and color mean

The first-ever reference to pills as a solid dosage form comes from 1500 BC in ancient Egypt. They were made from bread dough, grease, and honey, along with whatever medicinal ingredient was being delivered, usually spices or plant powders.

Fast-forward 3,500 years, and modern medicine offers a dizzying array of prescription pills for all kinds of ailments, in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors.

So what do all of these mean?

Pill size

The size of a pill tends to relate to the amount of active ingredient. For example, a tablet containing 400 mg of ibuprofen will be larger than one containing 200 mg of ibuprofen. Remember, though, some medicines need only tiny amounts of active ingredient to work, so do not assume a smaller pill is less effective. Some pills are extremely small. Follow your doctor’s guidance exactly when taking medication, and make sure the dose on the pills you take matches your prescription.

Pill shape

Pills can be round, oblong, or oval. They tend not to be square, since hard corners make them difficult to swallow. Shape can affect how quickly a pill dissolves in the body, so a small, round pill is likely to dissolve faster than a large, oblong one.

Pill color

Color often helps patients recognize their medicines and avoid mixing them up. It can also differentiate strengths of the same medication.

There are no standard colors that represent classes of medicines, so you cannot rely on color to know what a pill treats. Color is usually a branding or manufacturing choice.

Be aware that if your pharmacy switches manufacturers or fills a generic instead of a brand-name drug, the appearance may change even though the medicine is the same. Changes in look can be confusing for some patients.

If you have any doubts about your pills, talk to your pharmacist.

Imprint codes (writing on pills)

Most pills in the U.S. are required to have an imprint code. This is a set of letters, numbers, and sometimes a logo that is physically marked on tablets and capsules. The FDA requires most human solid oral prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to carry an imprint so the product can be uniquely identified by its appearance together with the code. The imprint should identify the active ingredient or ingredients and the strength, and link to the manufacturer or distributor.

You can identify a pill using pill-ID tools.

If a pill does not have an imprint code, it may be a homeopathic product, a dietary supplement, or a counterfeit or illegal drug. Pills made by a compounding pharmacy often lack an imprint. Drugs produced in other countries or used in clinical trials can also lack an imprint.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or individualized counseling. Do not start, stop, or change any medication based on this article. Always consult your physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health care professional with questions about your prescriptions, dosing, side effects, or drug interactions. If you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Medication appearance can vary by manufacturer, strength, country, and batch. Do not rely on color, size, or shape alone to identify a drug. Use the imprint code and original packaging, and confirm with a pharmacist. External links are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement; we are not responsible for the content or accuracy of third-party sites. While we aim to keep information current and accurate, we make no warranties and assume no liability for any errors or omissions or for any actions taken based on this content. Use of this article does not create a doctor–patient relationship.

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