The Significance of Pill Imprints
Pharmaceutical companies use imprints to uniquely identify each medication. These markings aid in accurate identification by patients, pharmacists, and healthcare providers, helping to prevent medication errors. However, confusion can occur when identical imprints are used for different drugs by various manufacturers. When encountering a pill with the imprint 'C 127', considering other physical traits like shape and color is essential for correct identification, as there are two main possibilities.
C 127 as Amlodipine Besylate
A white, round tablet marked 'C 127' is often identified as Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg.
- Manufacturer: Typically produced by Cipla USA, Inc..
- Drug Class: It is a calcium channel blocker used to relax blood vessels.
- Therapeutic Uses: It treats cardiovascular conditions including high blood pressure, angina, and coronary artery disease.
C 127 as Pyrimethamine
Alternatively, the 'C 127' imprint can be on Pyrimethamine 25 mg tablets. These tablets are also white and round but may have slight size differences and come from different manufacturers.
- Manufacturer: This includes manufacturers such as Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and Cerovene, Inc..
- Drug Class: It is categorized as a miscellaneous antimalarial.
- Therapeutic Uses: It is primarily used for parasitic infections, such as malaria prevention and treatment of toxoplasmosis.
Comparison of C 127 Medications
The table below outlines the key differences between the two medications potentially bearing the 'C 127' imprint.
| Feature | Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg | Pyrimethamine 25 mg |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Calcium Channel Blocker | Miscellaneous Antimalarial |
| Strength | 5 mg | 25 mg |
| Appearance | White, round tablet (often 8mm) | White, round tablet (often 7mm) |
| Primary Uses | Hypertension, Angina, Coronary Artery Disease | Malaria Prevention, Toxoplasmosis, Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis |
| Manufacturer (Example) | Cipla USA, Inc. | Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Cerovene |
| Schedule | Non-controlled substance | Prescription only medicine |
How to Safely Identify Your Medication
Due to the potential for confusion, relying solely on a pill's imprint for identification is risky. If you have a pill marked 'C 127', it is recommended to:
- Avoid making assumptions, especially if you take multiple medications.
- Check the original prescription container for the drug name and dosage.
- Use an online pill identifier tool with the imprint, color, and shape for a more accurate result; however, be aware it will likely list both possibilities.
- Consult a pharmacist or doctor for definitive identification based on your prescription history.
The Dangers of Misidentification
Mistaking one 'C 127' drug for the other can lead to serious health issues. Amlodipine is ineffective against parasitic infections, and using an antimalarial for a heart condition is also ineffective and could cause harm. Always confirm medication identity before use.
Conclusion
The 'C 127' imprint on a pill is not a definitive identifier for a single drug. It can represent either Amlodipine Besylate for cardiovascular issues or Pyrimethamine for parasitic infections. Never use the imprint alone for identification. Always cross-reference with the pill's physical characteristics and your prescription details. Consult a healthcare professional to ensure you are taking the correct medication. You can use resources like the Pill Identifier on Drugs.com for initial checks.
