Decoding Your Medications: What Pill Has 10 and N on It?

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, every prescription tablet and capsule must have a unique imprint for identification purposes. This is why identifying what pill has 10 and n on it requires careful examination of its other features, like color and shape, as these markings alone are not enough for a definitive answer.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of various prescription drugs that may feature the imprints "N" and "10," detailing how shape and color are critical for accurate identification. It also covers their uses and emphasizes the need to consult a healthcare professional for verification.

Key Points

Multiple Possibilities: Several different medications can have the 'N 10' imprint, including Midodrine, Armodafinil, and Benztropine.
Crucial Details: Shape and color are vital for distinguishing between pills with the same imprint; for example, Midodrine is round, while Armodafinil is rectangular.
Different Uses and Risks: The medications identified have very different purposes, side effects, and potential for abuse (e.g., Armodafinil is a controlled substance).
Confirm with a Pharmacist: For guaranteed accuracy and safety, a healthcare professional, like a pharmacist, is the best resource for pill identification.
Never Guess: Never take an unidentified pill based on an online search. Misidentification can have serious health consequences.

The Importance of Accurate Pill Identification

Identifying a pill solely based on a number and letter imprint is a common but risky practice. Many different medications can share similar markings, and relying on incomplete information can lead to serious health complications, including taking the wrong medication. Accurate identification is a crucial step in medication safety, whether you have discovered an unmarked pill or are simply trying to confirm the identity of your prescribed medicine.

Common Medications with 'N 10' Imprints

The imprint 'N 10' can belong to several different prescription drugs, each with a distinct shape, color, and therapeutic use. While the following are some of the most likely possibilities, it is not an exhaustive list. The shape and color of the pill are essential details that narrow down the options significantly.

Midodrine Hydrochloride: If the pill with the imprint 'N 10' is white and round, it is likely Midodrine Hydrochloride. It is a medication used to treat orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up). It belongs to the drug class of miscellaneous cardiovascular agents and is not a controlled substance.
Armodafinil: A white, rectangular tablet marked with 'N 10' is Armodafinil. This medication is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescribed for sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. It is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse.
Benztropine Mesylate: In some cases, a white, oval pill with 'N 10' on it is Benztropine Mesylate. This drug is an anticholinergic antiparkinson agent used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions. It is not a controlled substance.

How to Safely Identify Your Medication

Check ALL Markings: Examine the pill for all letters, numbers, and any symbols. Some imprints might be on opposite sides of the tablet. The orientation (e.g., 'N 10' vs. '10 N') can also be important, but search results for 'N 10' cover multiple arrangements.
Note Shape and Color: A pill's physical appearance is a critical piece of the puzzle. Is it round, oval, or rectangular? Is the color uniformly white, or does it have a specific shade? The search results show white, round (Midodrine), white, rectangular (Armodafinil), and white, oval (Benztropine) pills.
Use a Reliable Database: Online pill identifier tools, like those provided by Drugs.com or the FDA, are excellent resources. They allow you to input the imprint, shape, and color to find a match.
Consult a Pharmacist: For the most accurate and safe identification, always take the pill to a pharmacist. They have extensive knowledge and resources to identify medication definitively and advise you on its use.

Comparison of 'N 10' Imprint Medications


Feature	Midodrine Hydrochloride	Armodafinil	Benztropine Mesylate
Appearance	White, round tablet	White, rectangular tablet	White, oval tablet
Imprint	'N 10'	'N 10'	'N 10'
Primary Use	Treat orthostatic hypotension	Treat sleep disorders (narcolepsy, apnea)	Treat Parkinson's disease symptoms
Drug Class	Miscellaneous Cardiovascular Agent	CNS Stimulant	Anticholinergic Antiparkinson Agent
Controlled Substance?	No	Yes (Schedule IV)	No

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Each of the potential medications with the 'N 10' imprint has different potential side effects and precautions that should be considered. For example, Midodrine can cause tingling, goosebumps, or urinary issues, while Armodafinil has a risk of abuse and can cause headaches or dizziness. Benztropine's side effects include drowsiness, blurred vision, and dry mouth. Due to these differing risks, it is imperative to confirm the medication with a healthcare provider.

Warning: Do not take any pill you cannot positively identify. Ingesting an unknown substance can be extremely dangerous. Always prioritize verification by a professional.

Conclusion: Always Verify with a Healthcare Professional

While this article provides a detailed breakdown of possibilities for what pill has 10 and n on it, it is critical to understand that this information is for educational purposes only. The most responsible and safest course of action is to avoid taking any unidentified pill and to consult with a pharmacist or physician. They can provide an accurate identification and ensure you are taking the correct medication for your health needs. Never rely on an internet search alone for medical advice. Using a reliable pill identifier database and involving a healthcare professional are the safest steps to take.

External Resource: For further identification, you can use the Drugs.com Pill Identifier tool, which is a trusted resource for this type of query. Drugs.com Pill Identifier

Frequently Asked Questions

A white, round pill with the imprint 'N 10' is most likely Midodrine Hydrochloride, a medication used to treat low blood pressure (hypotension).

It depends on the pill's shape. If the pill is white and rectangular, it is Armodafinil, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance. Other 'N 10' pills, like Midodrine and Benztropine, are not controlled substances.

The medication used for sleep disorders with an 'N 10' imprint is Armodafinil, which comes as a white, rectangular tablet. It treats conditions like narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea.

Reputable online resources for pill identification include the Drugs.com Pill Identifier and the FDA's website. These databases allow you to search by imprint, color, and shape.

While an online search can provide potential matches, it should never be used as the sole method for identification. For definitive confirmation, you must consult a healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist.

Yes, variations of this imprint exist. For example, some Propranolol tablets may be engraved with 'N' and '10' but are orange, not white. The exact arrangement and other markings, along with color and shape, are crucial.

If you find an unknown pill, do not take it. Keep it in a safe place and contact a pharmacist or physician for proper identification and disposal. Never rely on an internet search alone for this purpose.