A pill with the imprint '787' is not a single medication. Instead, this number can be used by several different manufacturers on a variety of drugs with distinct uses. Proper identification requires checking the pill's other visual characteristics, such as its shape and color. For safety, you should never assume a pill's function based on an incomplete imprint code alone. Consulting a healthcare professional or a reliable pill identification tool is the best course of action.
Decoding the 787 Pill Based on its Appearance
To correctly identify your medication, you must match the '787' imprint with other distinguishing features. The following are the most common medications that feature this imprint, along with their uses and characteristics.
PLIVA 787: Azithromycin
A white, oval, biconvex tablet debossed with "PLIVA" on one side and "787" on the other is Azithromycin Monohydrate 250 mg. This is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It works by preventing bacteria from creating essential proteins, which stops their growth and spread.
Common Uses:
- Respiratory Infections: Including bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis.
- Ear Infections: Used for acute otitis media in pediatric patients.
- Skin Infections: Treatment for uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Effective against chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Other Infections: Sometimes prescribed for conditions like babesiosis and Bartonellosis.
It is important to complete the entire course of treatment with azithromycin, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning or developing antibiotic resistance.
TEVA 787: Atenolol
A white, round, 6mm pill with the imprint "TEVA 787" contains Atenolol 25 mg. As a cardioselective beta-blocker, its primary action is to slow the heart rate and make it easier for the heart to pump blood.
Common Uses:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): By reducing the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels, it lowers blood pressure.
- Angina Pectoris: Used to prevent chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
- Heart Attack: Prescribed to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack.
- Anxiety: Used off-label to manage symptoms of performance-based anxiety.
Because of its effect on the cardiovascular system, discontinuing atenolol abruptly can be dangerous and should only be done under a doctor's supervision.
West-ward 787: Acetaminophen, Butalbital, and Caffeine
A blue, round, 11mm tablet with the imprint "West-ward 787" is a combination analgesic containing acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine. This combination is primarily used to treat tension headaches.
- Acetaminophen: A well-known pain reliever and fever reducer.
- Butalbital: A barbiturate that helps to relax the brain.
- Caffeine: A central nervous system stimulant that enhances the pain-relieving effects of acetaminophen.
This medication is not a first-choice treatment for headaches due to the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms associated with butalbital. The combination of butalbital and caffeine can also cause drowsiness and dizziness.
Comparison of the '787' Pills
To help differentiate between these medications, the table below provides a quick side-by-side comparison based on their key features.
| Feature | PLIVA 787 (Azithromycin) | TEVA 787 (Atenolol) | West-ward 787 (Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Macrolide Antibiotic | Cardioselective Beta-Blocker | Analgesic Combination |
| Color | White | White | Blue |
| Shape | Oval | Round | Round |
| Size | 15mm | 6mm | 11mm |
| Manufacturer | Pliva | Teva | West-ward |
| Primary Use | Bacterial Infections | High Blood Pressure, Angina | Tension Headaches |
| Controlled Substance? | No | No | Depends on state regulations (due to butalbital) |
Important Considerations and Warnings
Regardless of the type of 787 pill, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and drug interactions. For example, azithromycin has been linked to a rare, but serious, risk of abnormal heart rhythms, particularly in patients with existing cardiovascular issues. Atenolol, if stopped suddenly, can cause a rapid increase in blood pressure or chest pain. Meanwhile, the butalbital combination can be habit-forming and cause withdrawal symptoms if misused.
Because these medications are powerful prescription drugs, they should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Never take medication prescribed for someone else and always inform your doctor of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking to avoid dangerous interactions. For a definitive identification of any pill, consult your pharmacist or doctor.
Conclusion
The imprint "787" alone is not enough to identify a medication, as it is shared by multiple prescription drugs with vastly different purposes. The white oval PLIVA 787 is the antibiotic azithromycin, the white round TEVA 787 is the beta-blocker atenolol, and the blue round West-ward 787 is a combination pain reliever for headaches. Due to the significant differences in their active ingredients and uses, relying on other pill characteristics for identification is critical. If you are unsure about a pill, always seek professional medical advice to ensure safety and prevent health risks associated with taking the wrong medication. You can also use a reliable pill identification tool online for further assistance.
