Pill identification can be a critical step for patients and caregivers to ensure the correct medication is being taken. However, relying on an imprint code alone, such as '787', is often insufficient and can be dangerous due to overlapping or similar codes used by various pharmaceutical companies. A thorough assessment of the pill's appearance, including its color, shape, and any additional markings, is necessary to determine its active ingredients and intended use.
The Medications Associated with '787' Imprints
Depending on the manufacturer and physical characteristics, a pill with an '787' imprint could be one of several different prescription drugs. Each of these medications belongs to a distinct drug class and treats a unique set of conditions. It is crucial to use a comprehensive pill identifier tool or consult a healthcare professional to avoid any confusion.
PLIVA 787: Azithromycin 250 mg
One of the most common medications with an '787' imprint is Azithromycin Monohydrate, manufactured by Pliva Inc..
- Appearance: White, oval, and 15mm in size.
- Active Ingredient: Azithromycin Monohydrate 250 mg.
- Drug Class: Macrolide antibiotic.
- Primary Uses: This antibiotic is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, such as those affecting the ears, lungs, sinuses, throat, and reproductive organs. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
TEVA 787: Atenolol 25 mg
Another medication that features an '787' imprint is Atenolol, produced by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
- Appearance: White, round, and 6mm in size. The imprint often includes the 'TEVA' code.
- Active Ingredient: Atenolol 25 mg.
- Drug Class: Cardioselective beta blocker.
- Primary Uses: This medication is prescribed for several cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain). It works by blocking certain natural chemicals in your body, like epinephrine, to affect the heart and blood vessels.
West-ward 787: Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine
A blue, round pill with the 'West-ward 787' imprint contains a combination of three active ingredients.
- Appearance: Blue, round, and 11mm in size.
- Active Ingredients: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Butalbital 50 mg, and Caffeine 40 mg.
- Drug Class: Analgesic combination (contains a barbiturate).
- Primary Uses: This combination is used to treat the symptom complex of tension (or muscle contraction) headaches. Due to the presence of butalbital, it is considered habit-forming and its extended use is not recommended.
P 787: Amlodipine/HCTZ/Olmesartan
This pill is a combination drug for blood pressure control, manufactured by Par Pharmaceutical, Inc.
- Appearance: Pink, round, and 10mm in size.
- Active Ingredients: Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg, Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg, and Olmesartan Medoxomil 40 mg.
- Drug Class: Miscellaneous antihypertensive combination.
- Primary Uses: This medication is used to manage high blood pressure. The three ingredients work together to relax blood vessels, remove excess fluid, and ultimately lower blood pressure.
A Comparison of Medications with '787' Imprints
The following table highlights the distinct features of the most common medications with an '787' imprint. This comparison underscores why relying on the number alone is unreliable for identification.
| Characteristic | PLIVA 787 | TEVA 787 | West-ward 787 | p 787 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient(s) | Azithromycin Monohydrate | Atenolol | Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine | Amlodipine/HCTZ/Olmesartan |
| Manufacturer | Pliva Inc. | Teva Pharmaceuticals | West-ward Pharmaceutical Corp. | Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. |
| Color | White | White | Blue | Pink |
| Shape | Oval | Round | Round | Round |
| Size | 15mm | 6mm | 11mm | 10mm |
| Drug Class | Macrolide Antibiotic | Cardioselective Beta Blocker | Analgesic Combination | Miscellaneous Antihypertensive |
| Primary Use | Bacterial Infections | High Blood Pressure, Angina | Tension Headaches | High Blood Pressure |
What to Do If You Find a '787' Pill
Given the different medications associated with the '787' imprint, it is vital to approach identification with caution. Never take a medication that you cannot positively identify. Follow these steps to ensure safety:
- Examine the pill's physical characteristics. Note the exact color, shape, and any other markings, such as a manufacturer code, which is usually found on the opposite side of the number.
- Use a reliable pill identifier tool. Websites like Drugs.com offer comprehensive tools that allow you to search for medications based on their imprint, color, and shape. This is the most accurate way to identify the pill.
- Consult a pharmacist. A pharmacist can use their expertise and access to databases to correctly identify the medication. This is especially important if you are unsure about the details.
- Do not share medication. Prescription drugs are for the intended individual only. Sharing medication is unsafe and can cause adverse reactions, especially if the recipients' medical conditions or sensitivities are unknown.
- Safely dispose of unknown medications. If you cannot identify the pill and do not have a need for it, follow proper drug disposal guidelines. Many pharmacies and local authorities host take-back programs for unused medication.
Conclusion
The seemingly simple question, "What is a 787 pill?", has a complex answer. The imprint code '787' is not tied to a single medication but is used for different drugs by several manufacturers. It is essential to consider the pill's color, shape, and other codes to correctly identify it. The white oval PLIVA 787 is an antibiotic, the white round TEVA 787 is a beta-blocker, the blue round West-ward 787 is a headache medication, and the pink round p 787 is an antihypertensive. Always confirm a pill's identity with a healthcare provider or a trusted pill identification tool before taking it to ensure your safety.
For more information on pill identification, visit a reputable resource like Drugs.com's Pill Identifier.
