Why you can't identify a pill by its color alone
Many people mistakenly believe that a medication's color is a unique identifier. However, this is a dangerous assumption. Color is simply a cosmetic feature, and many different medications share the same color. For example, brown is a common color for tablets and capsules due to the use of specific dyes or the color of the active ingredients themselves. A pill's color can also vary between different manufacturers of the same generic drug. Therefore, relying on color alone to determine a medication's identity is unreliable and could lead to serious medical errors.
Common examples of brown pills
To illustrate the variety of medications that come in a brown color, here are a few common examples:
- Ibuprofen: Many over-the-counter ibuprofen pain relievers are manufactured as small, brown-coated tablets. These are used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains and reduce fever.
- Birth Control Placebo Pills: In many 28-day combination birth control packs, the last week of pills are brown (or another color) and contain no active hormones. These are included to help maintain a daily routine and induce a menstrual-like bleed. Some of these inactive pills may contain supplemental iron.
- OxyContin (Oxycodone): As a powerful prescription opioid for chronic pain, OxyContin 30 mg can be a brown, round pill with the imprint "OP 30". Given its potential for abuse and high potency, mistaking this medication for something else is extremely dangerous.
- Phenazopyridine: This medication, used to relieve urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms like pain and burning, is available over-the-counter and can be brown. It does not treat the underlying infection, which is why correct identification is crucial.
- Other Medications: The list extends much further. Other examples include some formulations of Omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor), Gabapentin (an anticonvulsant), and certain blood pressure medications.
How to safely identify an unknown brown pill
The most reliable way to identify any pill is by using its unique imprint code, along with its shape and size. The FDA requires this code on most prescription and over-the-counter tablets and capsules.
To identify a pill, follow these steps:
- Examine the pill: Look closely for any letters, numbers, or symbols printed on its surface. Note the exact combination and whether it's on one or both sides.
- Determine the shape and color: Accurately describe the pill's shape (e.g., round, oblong, five-sided) and color.
- Use an online pill identifier tool: Enter the imprint code, color, and shape into a reliable online database like the Drugs.com Pill Identification Wizard.
- Match the image: Compare the pill in your possession to the images provided by the identifier tool to confirm a match.
Comparison of different brown pills
| Active Ingredient | Common Use | Imprint Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen | Pain and fever reducer | 44 291 | An over-the-counter pain reliever. |
| Oxycodone | Severe chronic pain | OP 30 | A powerful, highly regulated opioid. |
| Phenazopyridine | UTI pain relief | Various | Relieves symptoms but does not cure infection. |
| Placebo (Iron) | Birth control pack | Unimprinted, or various | No active hormones; helps maintain routine. |
| Gabapentin | Seizures and nerve pain | 93 40 | A prescription anticonvulsant. |
| Amlodipine / Olmesartan | High blood pressure | GSI 9883 | A prescription combination drug. |
The dangers of taking an unidentified pill
Taking any medication that you cannot positively identify is extremely dangerous. The consequences can range from ineffective treatment to severe health complications. The risks include:
- Adverse Drug Reactions: You may be allergic to an unknown ingredient or have a sensitivity that causes a severe reaction.
- Drug Interactions: The pill could interact with other medications, supplements, or even food and drink, with potentially life-threatening results.
- Incorrect Dosage or Medication: You could accidentally take a pill that is the wrong dosage or is for a different condition, which could worsen your health.
- Overdose: If the pill is a high-potency drug like an opioid, an overdose could occur, leading to slowed breathing, coma, or death.
- Lack of Efficacy: An inactive placebo pill, taken by mistake for an active medication, would leave an underlying medical condition untreated.
What to do if you find an unknown brown pill
Your first priority should always be safety. Here are the recommended steps if you encounter an unidentified pill:
- Do not take it: The risks of taking an unknown substance far outweigh any potential benefit. Do not take it, and do not let anyone else take it.
- Contact a pharmacist: If you or a loved one is missing a pill, a pharmacist can help confirm its identity based on the imprint and your medical records.
- Call Poison Control: In case of an emergency or suspected overdose, call your local poison control center immediately (1-800-222-1222 in the US).
- Dispose of it properly: Dispose of the pill safely, following FDA guidelines for medication disposal, to prevent accidental ingestion by others.
Conclusion
To the question "What does a brown pill do?", the simple answer is that it does nothing in particular. Color alone is a meaningless characteristic for identifying medications. The most crucial identifiers are the imprint code, shape, and size, and using a reliable pill identifier tool is the only safe way to confirm a pill's identity. Prioritizing safety by never taking an unconfirmed medication and properly identifying or disposing of unknown pills is vital for your health and the health of those around you.
