Before taking any medication, it is important to understand its purpose and identity. The seemingly simple act of identifying a pill by its imprint code can be misleading, as multiple manufacturers may use the same or similar codes for entirely different drugs. When trying to determine what a pill with the 'C73' imprint is for, it is critical to look at the complete picture, including its color, shape, and size. This guide details the three most common medications associated with this imprint.
The White, Round, 7mm C 73 Pill: Metoprolol Tartrate
One version of the 'C73' pill is a white, round, 7mm tablet with the imprint "C 73". This medication is Metoprolol Tartrate, a generic version of Lopressor.
What is Metoprolol Tartrate used for?
As a cardioselective beta-blocker, Metoprolol Tartrate works by slowing the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow. Its uses include:
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Used alone or with other medications to lower elevated blood pressure.
- Angina: Treats chronic chest pain by reducing the heart's workload and oxygen demand.
- Heart Attack: Improves survival rates following a myocardial infarction.
- Heart Failure: Used in combination with other drugs to manage heart failure.
Common side effects of Metoprolol
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Cold hands and feet
The White, Round, 6mm C73 Pill: Amlodipine/Olmesartan (Azor)
Another medication identified by a 'C73' imprint is a white, round, 6mm pill, which is the combination drug Amlodipine Besylate and Olmesartan Medoxomil. This is the generic form of the brand-name drug Azor.
What is Amlodipine/Olmesartan used for?
This medication is a combination of two different classes of drugs used to treat high blood pressure.
- Amlodipine Besylate: A calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels.
- Olmesartan Medoxomil: An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that prevents blood vessels from narrowing.
Common side effects of Amlodipine/Olmesartan
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Swelling in the ankles or feet
- Fatigue
The Pink, Oval C73 Pill: Lisinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide
A pink, oval pill imprinted with 'C73' is a combination of Lisinopril and Hydrochlorothiazide.
What is Lisinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide used for?
This medication combines an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic to effectively treat cardiovascular conditions.
- Lisinopril: An ACE inhibitor that helps relax and widen blood vessels.
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): A thiazide diuretic that prevents the body from absorbing too much salt, which can lead to fluid retention.
- Primary Uses: This pill is used to treat high blood pressure and is also prescribed for managing heart failure.
Common side effects of Lisinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Headache
Comparison of C73 Imprint Medications
| Feature | White, Round, 7mm (C 73) | White, Round, 6mm (C73) | Pink, Oval (C73) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Metoprolol Tartrate | Amlodipine/Olmesartan | Lisinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide |
| Drug Class | Cardioselective Beta-Blocker | Angiotensin II Inhibitor + Calcium Channel Blocker | ACE Inhibitor + Thiazide Diuretic |
| Primary Uses | Hypertension, Angina, Heart Failure, Post-MI | Hypertension | Hypertension, Heart Failure |
| Identifying Characteristic | White, round, 7mm | White, round, 6mm | Pink, oval |
| Common Side Effects | Fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea | Dizziness, headache, swelling | Dizziness, cough, fatigue |
Importance of Accurate Pill Identification
Accurate identification is crucial for safe medication use. Mistaking one 'C73' pill for another could have serious health consequences due to different active ingredients and mechanisms of action. For instance, an individual with a slow heart rate taking Metoprolol (a beta-blocker) could worsen their bradycardia, while someone with severe kidney issues might be adversely affected by the Lisinopril/HCTZ combination. Always verify your medication with a healthcare professional or pharmacist. Do not rely solely on imprint codes.
Conclusion
The imprint 'C73' is an identifier that requires additional details—color, shape, and size—to correctly determine the medication. It is used on at least three different cardiac medications: Metoprolol Tartrate, Amlodipine/Olmesartan (Azor), and Lisinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide. Each of these pills serves a different purpose within the scope of managing heart and blood pressure conditions. For your safety, always consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist for accurate pill identification and treatment guidance. For further authoritative information on medication identification, visit sources such as Drugs.com's Pill Identifier.
