The Danger of Unidentified Medication: The '308' Imprint Case
It is a common scenario: finding a loose pill and wondering about its purpose. A frequent query is, 'What is a 308 pill used for?' However, this question has no single answer. The code '308' is an imprint used on several different medications, each with vastly different purposes, active ingredients, and potential side effects [1.2.1]. Relying solely on a three-digit number for identification is dangerous and can lead to accidental ingestion of the wrong substance, with potentially serious health consequences. Always confirm a medication's identity using a comprehensive pill identifier that considers the pill's size, shape, color, and complete imprint, including any letters [1.2.1, 1.2.2]. Never take a medication that you cannot identify with 100% certainty.
Medications Identified with the '308' Imprint
Based on pill identification databases, the '308' imprint, sometimes in combination with other letters, corresponds to several different prescription and over-the-counter drugs [1.2.1].
Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride 25 mg (Imprint: TV 308)
One of the common pills with this imprint is Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride 25 mg, marked as 'TV 308' [1.2.2].
- Use: Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine. It is primarily used to treat anxiety, as it works by acting on the central nervous system. It is also effective for treating allergic urticaria (hives), nausea, vomiting, and other allergy symptoms [1.2.2].
- Drug Class: It belongs to the drug classes of antihistamines and miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics. It is not a controlled substance [1.2.2].
- Appearance: This pill is typically identified as a white, round pill [1.2.2].
Zolpidem Tartrate Extended-Release 12.5 mg (Imprint: 308)
Another medication with the '308' imprint is Zolpidem Tartrate Extended-Release 12.5 mg [1.2.3].
- Use: Zolpidem is used for the treatment of insomnia [1.2.3]. The extended-release formulation helps individuals stay asleep.
- Drug Class: It belongs to the drug class of miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics. Importantly, it is a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has a potential for abuse and dependence [1.2.3].
- Appearance: This pill is described as yellow and white, and round [1.2.3].
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride 45 mg (Imprint: 308)
A third medication bearing the '308' imprint is Pioglitazone Hydrochloride 45 mg [1.2.4].
- Use: This medication is used for the management of Type 2 Diabetes [1.2.4]. It works by helping to control blood sugar levels.
- Drug Class: It is in the thiazolidinediones drug class and is not a controlled substance [1.2.4].
- Appearance: This is a white, round pill [1.2.4].
Allegra-D 24 Hour (Imprint: 308 AV)
Finally, a pill with the imprint '308 AV' is identified as Allegra-D 24 Hour [1.2.5].
- Use: Allegra-D is a combination medication containing fexofenadine (an antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). It is used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as nasal congestion and sinus pressure [1.2.5].
- Drug Class: It is classified as an upper respiratory combination and is available over-the-counter in many places, though sometimes kept behind the pharmacy counter [1.2.5].
- Appearance: This is a white, round pill [1.2.5].
Comparison of '308' Pills
To clearly illustrate the differences, the table below compares the various medications associated with the '308' imprint.
| Imprint | Medication | Primary Use | Drug Class | Controlled Substance? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TV 308 | Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride 25 mg | Anxiety, Allergies, Nausea [1.2.2] | Antihistamine, Anxiolytic [1.2.2] | No [1.2.2] |
| 308 | Zolpidem Tartrate ER 12.5 mg | Insomnia [1.2.3] | Sedative-Hypnotic [1.2.3] | Yes, Schedule IV [1.2.3] |
| 308 | Pioglitazone Hydrochloride 45 mg | Type 2 Diabetes [1.2.4] | Thiazolidinedione [1.2.4] | No [1.2.4] |
| 308 AV | Allegra-D 24 Hour | Allergic Rhinitis, Congestion [1.2.5] | Upper Respiratory Combination [1.2.5] | No [1.2.5] |
Conclusion: Verification is Non-Negotiable
The existence of multiple medications with the '308' imprint serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper medication identification. Mistaking a diabetes medication for an anti-anxiety drug, or a sleep aid for an allergy pill, could have serious health repercussions. The active ingredients, dosages, side effects, and potential drug interactions are all unique to each specific product. If you find a pill and are unsure of its identity, do not consume it. Use a reliable online pill identifier tool from a reputable source like Drugs.com or consult a pharmacist to get a definitive identification. Your health and safety depend on knowing exactly what medication you are taking.
For more information on identifying pills, you can visit a professional resource such as Drugs.com Pill Identifier.
