When a tablet changes color, it is a clear sign that the medication has likely undergone chemical or physical degradation. While medication manufacturers use stable dyes and coatings, environmental factors can break these down, affecting the pill's active ingredients. This degradation can render the medication less effective or, in some cases, create new, potentially harmful compounds. For this reason, medical and pharmaceutical professionals uniformly advise against consuming any medication that appears discolored or altered. Understanding the causes and consequences of this change is essential for safe medication management.
Why Do Tablets Change Color?
Several factors can contribute to a tablet's change in appearance, signaling that it is no longer safe for consumption. Most often, the problem lies with improper storage conditions that compromise the drug's stability.
Environmental Factors
- Moisture and Humidity: Storing medication in a bathroom or kitchen, where humidity and temperature fluctuate, is a primary cause of degradation. Moisture can cause solid tablets to swell, crack, or become spotted. Aspirin, for example, can break down into salicylic acid and vinegar when exposed to heat and moisture, producing a distinct smell and potentially causing stomach upset.
- Heat: High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions, leading to the breakdown of active ingredients. For example, some tablets may turn brown when exposed to excessive heat. Most medications should be stored at room temperature, away from appliances that generate heat.
- Light: Direct sunlight or even bright artificial light can damage light-sensitive medications. Many drugs are supplied in amber or opaque bottles to protect them from ultraviolet (UV) light, which can alter their chemical structure.
Chemical Reactions
Inside the tablet, chemical reactions can occur over time, especially if exposed to unfavorable conditions. This can lead to:
- Oxidation: Exposure to oxygen can cause chemical changes in the active ingredients or excipients (inactive fillers) of the tablet, resulting in discoloration. This is a common form of degradation.
- Hydrolysis: Water molecules can react with the drug's compounds, causing them to break down. This is why moisture is particularly damaging to tablets and capsules.
Potential for Manufacturing Variation
Sometimes, a change in a pill's appearance can be due to a change in manufacturer, not degradation. For example, if your pharmacy switches to a different supplier for a generic medication, the size, shape, and color may be different, even if the active ingredient is identical. If this is the case, your pharmacist should inform you of the change. However, if a pill changes color after you've received it, it is a sign of degradation, not a new batch.
What to Do with Discolored Tablets: Step-by-Step Guide
If you find a discolored tablet, follow these steps to ensure your safety:
- Do not take it: The primary rule is to never consume a medication that looks different than when you first received it.
- Contact your pharmacist: Explain the situation and ask them to verify if a manufacturer change has occurred. They can advise you on whether the medication is still safe.
- Consult your doctor: For critical medications, inform your healthcare provider immediately. They will determine if a new prescription is necessary.
- Properly dispose of it: Do not flush old medication down the toilet unless it is on the FDA's specific flush list. Instead, find a drug take-back program in your community, often located at pharmacies or police stations. If no such program is available, mix the medication with an unappealing substance like dirt or coffee grounds, place it in a sealed bag, and throw it in the trash.
Comparison: Drug Degradation, Counterfeit, or Manufacturer Change
| Feature | Drug Degradation | Counterfeit Medication | Manufacturer Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Color changes after initial dispensing; can be speckled, faded, or have a rough texture. May appear crumbly or swollen. | Poor quality printing on packaging; labels with misspellings or inconsistent fonts. The pill itself may have incorrect markings, unusual colors, or a different shape. | The pill's size, shape, or color is different from previous refills but is consistent within the new container. The change is verified by a pharmacist. |
| Packaging | Often in original container but may have signs of moisture damage (e.g., rusted caps). | Lacks safety seals, tampered with, or appears cheaply made. May come from unverified online sources. | Original, sealed manufacturer packaging with accurate labeling. Not a sign of tampering or poor storage. |
| Implications | Loss of potency, risk of toxic compounds, and ineffective treatment. | Can contain wrong or no active ingredients, incorrect dosages, or harmful substances, leading to ineffective treatment or severe harm. | No change in efficacy or safety, provided it is the correct medication from a licensed pharmacy. |
| Action | Do not take. Dispose of properly after consulting a pharmacist. | Do not take. Report to pharmacist, doctor, and regulatory authorities. | Verify with your pharmacist to ensure it is the correct prescription. |
Proper Medication Storage to Prevent Discoloration
To prevent the degradation and discoloration of your tablets, follow these best practices:
- Keep medication in its original container. This protects light-sensitive drugs and helps prevent mix-ups.
- Store in a cool, dry place. A dresser drawer, pantry, or closet shelf is ideal. Avoid humid bathrooms or kitchen cabinets near the stove or sink.
- Check temperature guidelines. Some medications require refrigeration, so always read the storage instructions carefully.
- Remove cotton from bottles. Cotton can pull moisture into the container, promoting degradation.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store medication securely to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Monitor expiration dates. Regularly check and discard any expired medication.
Conclusion: Prioritize Safety Over Savings
The temptation to use a slightly discolored or expired tablet might be driven by the cost of prescription drugs or simple oversight. However, the potential risks far outweigh any perceived savings. Taking a compromised medication can result in sub-potent treatment, treatment failure for serious conditions, or exposure to harmful degradation byproducts. The appearance of a tablet, including its color, is an important indicator of its integrity. When in doubt, the safest course of action is to discard the medication and consult a healthcare professional. Always prioritize your health by ensuring the medicine you take is safe and effective.
For more information on safe drug disposal, consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's official guidelines.
