Decoding the Imprint: What Pill is P10 and How to Identify It?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 500 million prescriptions are filled annually in the United States, leading many people to encounter the need for pill identification. The seemingly simple question, 'What pill is p10?', is surprisingly complex, as this imprint can belong to several different medications, each with its own purpose and side effects. Correctly identifying a pill based on its imprint, shape, and color is crucial for patient safety.

Quick Summary

The imprint 'P10' is used on multiple medications, meaning other characteristics like shape and color are essential for proper identification. The pills can be Escitalopram, Tramadol, Hydrocortisone, or several other drugs with distinct uses and side effects. Never assume a pill's identity based on the imprint alone.

Key Points

Multiple Medications: The imprint 'P10' is not exclusive to one medication; it can be Escitalopram, Tramadol, Hydrocortisone, or several other drugs depending on the pill's shape and color.
Check Shape and Color: Accurate identification requires checking the pill's imprint, shape (e.g., round, oval, capsule), and color (e.g., white, blue/maroon).
Controlled Substance Risk: One potential 'P10' pill is Tramadol, an opioid analgesic classified as a Schedule 4 controlled substance due to its potential for abuse.
Online Tools are Supplementary: Reputable pill identifier websites are a helpful resource but should always be used in conjunction with a consultation with a healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Never Self-Prescribe: If you cannot definitively identify a pill, do not take it. Incorrect medication can lead to serious health consequences.
Different Uses: The various medications associated with 'P10' have distinct uses, ranging from antidepressants (Escitalopram) to pain relief (Tramadol) and treating inflammation (Hydrocortisone).

The Complexity of Pill Identification

Pill imprints are vital identifiers printed on medication to help distinguish one drug from another. However, as demonstrated by the 'P10' imprint, a single alphanumeric code can be used by multiple manufacturers for different drugs or dosages. This practice underscores the importance of a comprehensive identification process that includes the pill's shape, color, and size, alongside the imprint. Relying on an imprint alone can lead to dangerous medication errors, including taking the wrong drug, improper dosing, or unknowingly combining medications that cause adverse interactions.

Common Medications Identified with the 'P10' Imprint

Several medications have been identified with the 'P10' or 'P 10' imprint, each with a unique profile. Below are some of the most common possibilities, detailing the distinguishing characteristics and general use of each.

Escitalopram 10 mg (P 10, White, Round)

This pill is identified as Escitalopram Oxalate 10 mg, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is most often prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. As with all antidepressants, it's crucial to follow a doctor's instructions closely and to be aware of potential side effects, which can include nausea, insomnia, dizziness, and headache. It is not a controlled substance.

Hydrocortisone 10 mg (P10, White, Oval)

This white, oval pill is Hydrocortisone 10 mg, a glucocorticoid. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including adrenal insufficiency (such as Addison's Disease), inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, and severe allergic reactions. Side effects can vary widely and should be discussed with a healthcare provider. It is not a controlled substance.

Tramadol Hydrochloride 50 mg (P10, White, Capsule/Oblong)

An imprint of 'P10' on a white, capsule-shaped pill indicates Tramadol Hydrochloride 50 mg. This medication is an opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a Schedule 4 controlled substance, indicating a potential for abuse, and its use should be carefully monitored by a physician. Patients should be aware of side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness.

Quetiapine Fumarate ER 150 mg (P10, White, Capsule/Oblong)

Similar in shape to the Tramadol pill, this version with the 'P10' imprint is Quetiapine Fumarate Extended-Release 150 mg, an atypical antipsychotic. It is prescribed for conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. Side effects are numerous and can include drowsiness, dizziness, and weight gain. This is not a controlled substance.

Piroxicam 10 mg (P10, Blue/Maroon, Capsule/Oblong)

A blue and maroon capsule with 'P10' is Piroxicam 10 mg, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by conditions like arthritis. Potential side effects include stomach upset, dizziness, and ringing in the ears. It is not a controlled substance.

How to Safely Identify a 'P10' Pill

When faced with an unidentified pill, follow these steps to ensure safety:

Examine the Pill Closely: Note the exact alphanumeric imprint, such as 'P10' or 'P 10'. Pay close attention to its shape (round, oval, capsule/oblong), color, and any unique markings.
Use a Reliable Pill Identifier Tool: Reputable websites like Drugs.com, MedlinePlus, or Medicine.com provide databases that can help cross-reference imprints, shapes, and colors. Inputting all available information will narrow down the possibilities.
Consult a Professional: The most definitive way to identify a pill is to consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist. They have access to comprehensive databases and can verify the medication without risk.
Never Assume: Do not assume a pill's identity based on an imprint alone or from partial information. The risk of mistaking one medication for another is significant, and the consequences can be severe.

P10 Pill Identification Comparison Table


Imprint	Shape	Color	Medication	Drug Class	Potential Use	Controlled Status
P 10	Round	White	Escitalopram 10 mg	SSRI	Depression, Anxiety	No
P10	Oval	White	Hydrocortisone 10 mg	Glucocorticoid	Inflammation, Adrenal insufficiency	No
P10	Capsule/Oblong	White	Tramadol 50 mg	Opioid Analgesic	Moderate to severe pain	Schedule 4
P10	Capsule/Oblong	White	Quetiapine ER 150 mg	Atypical Antipsychotic	Bipolar, Schizophrenia	No
P10	Capsule/Oblong	Blue/Maroon	Piroxicam 10 mg	NSAID	Arthritis	No

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Pill Identification

Due to the varied nature of pharmaceutical manufacturing, a single imprint like 'P10' can represent multiple, very different medications. Correctly identifying a pill is a crucial part of medication management and safety. While online tools are a great starting point, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always use a pill's shape and color to narrow down the possibilities and confirm the drug with a pharmacist or doctor. If you are unsure, do not take the medication. Your health and safety depend on accurate identification.

For more detailed information and a comprehensive pill identification tool, you can visit the Drugs.com Pill Identifier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pharmaceutical companies use their own imprint codes on generic medications. Since different companies manufacture different drugs, it is possible for the same code, like 'P10', to be used on several distinct products, necessitating a check of the pill's shape and color for accurate identification.

Do not take the pill. Use a reputable online pill identifier tool, noting the pill's specific shape and color, to narrow down the possibilities. For definitive confirmation, show the pill to a pharmacist or physician.

No. While Tramadol, an opioid analgesic, is one of the medications that can have a 'P10' imprint (specifically on a white, capsule-shaped pill), many other non-opioid drugs also use this code, such as the antidepressant Escitalopram and the anti-inflammatory Hydrocortisone.

Common side effects for Escitalopram 10 mg can include nausea, insomnia, fatigue, drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. Patients should discuss any side effects with their doctor.

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid used to treat conditions characterized by inflammation, such as adrenal insufficiency (Addison's Disease), acute asthma, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Medications with the 'P10' imprint are generally prescription-strength drugs, not over-the-counter products. However, some drugs like Loratadine (P 10, white, round) are available over-the-counter. A pill's identity is determined by more than just the imprint, so always consult a pharmacist or physician before taking any medication that has not been prescribed for you.

It is not safe to simply throw any unknown medication in the trash or flush it down the toilet. Proper disposal should follow local guidelines, which often include take-back programs at pharmacies or specific instructions from the FDA. Consult your pharmacist for safe disposal methods.