Decoding the Imprint: What Does RPS Mean in Pills?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that most prescription and over-the-counter solid dosage drugs bear a unique imprint for identification [1.6.1, 1.6.2]. If you're wondering what does RPS mean in pills, it signifies the manufacturer.

Quick Summary

The 'RPS' imprint on a pill identifies the manufacturer. This guide explains how to use this code, along with other markings, to identify specific medications, ensure dosage accuracy, and promote medication safety.

Key Points

Manufacturer ID: The letters 'RPS' or 'RP' on a pill primarily identify the drug's manufacturer.
FDA Mandate: Most prescription and OTC pills in the US are required by the FDA to have a unique imprint for identification [1.6.1].
Code Components: The imprint, along with the pill's color, size, and shape, helps identify the active ingredients and dosage [1.6.1].
Common 'RP' Drugs: Pills marked 'RP' are often associated with oxycodone and acetaminophen/oxycodone combination drugs [1.2.1, 1.2.4].
Safety First: Never ingest an unknown pill. Always use a reliable pill identifier tool or consult a pharmacist to verify a medication [1.6.2].
Risk of Error: Misidentifying medication can lead to incorrect dosing, dangerous drug interactions, allergic reactions, or even death [1.8.2, 1.8.3].
Unmarked Pills: Pills without imprints may not be FDA-approved drugs and could be supplements, foreign medications, or counterfeits [1.6.2].

The Critical Role of Pill Imprints

Finding a loose pill can be concerning, but the letters and numbers stamped on it are there to help. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates these imprints on nearly all solid oral dosage forms, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs [1.6.1, 1.6.5]. These markings are not random; they form a unique code that, in combination with the pill's size, shape, and color, allows for the precise identification of the drug, its dosage strength, and its manufacturer or distributor [1.6.1, 1.6.4]. This system is a cornerstone of medication safety, helping patients, pharmacists, and healthcare providers prevent dangerous mix-ups and verify that the correct medication is being taken. Pills without imprints may be vitamins, dietary supplements, foreign medications, or even counterfeit drugs, which are not regulated by the FDA in the same way [1.6.2, 1.6.5].

What 'RPS' Signifies on a Pill

The imprint 'RPS' specifically refers to the manufacturer of the drug. While searches often associate 'RPS' with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or Repeat Prescription Services in a broader healthcare context [1.3.2, 1.3.1], on the physical pill itself, it is a manufacturer identifier. However, the specific manufacturer can change or be licensed to different companies over time. Online pill identifiers often show that pills with imprints like 'R P' are associated with various formulations of oxycodone and other medications [1.2.1, 1.2.2]. For example, imprints like 'R P 10' or 'RP 10 325' are commonly identified as oxycodone hydrochloride or a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride [1.2.1]. The 'R P' part indicates the manufacturer, while the numbers denote the strength of the active ingredients. For instance, '10' might refer to 10 mg of oxycodone, and '325' to 325 mg of acetaminophen [1.2.1].

Common Medications with an 'RP' Imprint

Pills marked with 'RP' (often with a space) are frequently associated with pain-relieving medications containing opioids. It is crucial to use a reliable pill identifier to confirm the exact drug and strength. Some examples found in databases include:

Oxycodone Hydrochloride: Pills with imprints like 'R P 5', 'R P 10', 'R P 15' are often white, round, or oval tablets of oxycodone in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg strengths, respectively [1.2.2, 1.2.1, 1.2.3].
Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride: These combination pills are also common. An imprint of 'RP 10 325' typically indicates a tablet containing 10 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen [1.2.1]. Another variant is 'RP 7.5 325' for a 7.5 mg/325 mg dosage [1.2.4].
Buprenorphine Hydrochloride: A white, round pill with the imprint 'RP b8' is identified as Buprenorphine Hydrochloride (sublingual) at an 8 mg strength [1.2.7].

It's vital to note that drug formulations and manufacturers can change, so always verify a pill using a current, reputable tool.

How to Safely Identify an Unknown Pill

If you find an unknown pill, do not consume it. Instead, follow these steps to identify it safely:

Examine the Pill: Note the complete imprint code on both sides, its color, and its shape (e.g., round, oval, capsule) [1.7.5].
Use an Online Pill Identifier: Websites like Drugs.com and Healthline offer powerful pill identification tools where you can enter these details [1.6.2, 1.7.3]. Enter the imprint code first for the most accurate results [1.7.3].
Cross-Reference the Results: The tool will provide a list of potential matches with images. Compare these images and medication details (name, strength) with the pill you have [1.7.2].
Consult a Professional: If you are still uncertain or cannot find a match, the safest course of action is to contact your doctor or pharmacist [1.6.2]. They are the ultimate resource for accurate medication identification.

Comparison of Common 'RP' Marked Pills


Imprint	Active Ingredient(s)	Strength	Common Shape/Color
R P 10	Oxycodone Hydrochloride	10 mg	White / Round	[1.2.1]
RP 10 325	Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride	325 mg / 10 mg	White / Round	[1.2.1]
R P 5	Oxycodone Hydrochloride	5 mg	White / Round	[1.2.2]
RP 7.5 325	Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride	325 mg / 7.5 mg	White / Round	[1.2.4]
RP b8	Buprenorphine Hydrochloride	8 mg	White / Round	[1.2.7]

The Dangers of Medication Misidentification

Incorrectly identifying and taking the wrong medication can have severe consequences. The risks include taking an incorrect dose, experiencing hazardous drug interactions with other medications you take, or triggering a severe allergic reaction [1.8.1, 1.8.3]. Medication errors can lead to a worsening of health conditions, long-term disability, and in the most tragic cases, death [1.8.2]. Annually, thousands of deaths in the U.S. are attributed to medication errors [1.8.3]. Relying solely on visual memory is unreliable, as generic drug appearances can change [1.8.6]. Using the imprint code is a much more accurate method for ensuring you are taking the correct medication as prescribed.

Conclusion

The 'RPS' or 'RP' on a pill is a key piece of information that points to its manufacturer. This imprint, required by the FDA, is a vital tool for safety [1.6.1]. By using it in conjunction with the pill’s physical characteristics in a reliable online identifier, you can determine the specific medication and its strength. This process is crucial for avoiding the potentially devastating consequences of medication errors [1.8.2, 1.8.4]. When in doubt, always seek the expert guidance of a pharmacist or healthcare provider to ensure your safety and well-being.

For more information on identifying pills, you can visit the Drugs.com Pill Identifier. [1.6.5]

Frequently Asked Questions

The numbers typically indicate the dosage strength of the active ingredient(s). For example, on a pill marked 'RP 10 325', the '10' often refers to 10 mg of oxycodone and '325' refers to 325 mg of acetaminophen [1.2.1].

No, not necessarily. While many pills with an 'RP' imprint are identified as oxycodone or related compounds [1.2.1, 1.2.2], the manufacturer could produce various drugs. Always use a pill identifier to confirm the specific medication.

If a pill has no imprint, it could be a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a homeopathic drug, a counterfeit, or a foreign medication [1.6.2, 1.6.5]. You should not take it and should consult a pharmacist or doctor for identification assistance.

Reputable online pill identifiers, like those from Drugs.com or Healthline, are generally reliable for identifying FDA-approved medications [1.6.2, 1.7.3]. However, for absolute certainty, confirmation from a healthcare professional is recommended [1.6.2].

The FDA requires imprints to allow for unique identification of the drug product, its active ingredients, its strength, and the manufacturer. This helps prevent medication errors and aids law enforcement and healthcare providers [1.6.1, 1.6.4].

Yes, the appearance (color, shape, imprint) of a generic medication can change if the pharmacy switches to a different manufacturer. This is a key reason why you should know the name of your medication and verify any changes with your pharmacist [1.8.6].

Taking the wrong medication can lead to serious health consequences, including organ damage, adverse reactions, worsening of health conditions, and even death [1.8.2, 1.8.3]. It can also cause harmful interactions with other medications you are taking [1.8.3].