Pill identification is a critical step for both patient safety and effective treatment. Medications are marked with specific codes, colors, and shapes to distinguish them from one another, but these markings can sometimes overlap. This is the case with a blue pill marked with the number 86, which can signify one of two distinct, prescription-only drugs depending on its shape.
Round, Blue Pill with Imprint '86'
If the pill is blue and round with the number '86' stamped on it, it has been identified as Sildenafil Citrate 25 mg.
What is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, the same active ingredient found in the well-known brand-name medication Viagra. It works by increasing blood flow to specific areas of the body through its vasodilatory properties. This medication is available by prescription only and is manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals.
Medical Uses of Sildenafil 25 mg
This dosage strength is typically prescribed for two main conditions:
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): The pill helps men with ED achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity by relaxing the muscles and increasing blood flow to the penis.
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Sildenafil is also used to treat PAH by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs, which improves exercise capacity in patients with this condition.
Risks and Precautions
Sildenafil is not suitable for everyone and has several contraindications and potential side effects. Patients using nitrate medications for chest pain should not take Sildenafil, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Other potential side effects include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and abnormal vision.
Oblong, Blue Pill with Imprint 'I 86'
If the pill is blue, oblong, and has the imprint 'I 86' on it, it is Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500 mg.
What is Valacyclovir?
Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. It is the generic equivalent of the brand-name drug Valtrex and is available by prescription.
Medical Uses of Valacyclovir 500 mg
This medication is used to treat a variety of herpes virus infections:
- Herpes Labialis (Cold Sores): Reduces the duration and severity of outbreaks.
- Herpes Simplex Virus (Genital Herpes): Treats initial and recurrent outbreaks and is also used as a suppressive therapy to reduce transmission.
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Helps relieve the pain and speeds the healing of shingles sores.
- Chickenpox: Treats chickenpox in children.
Risks and Precautions
Common side effects for Valacyclovir include headache, nausea, and stomach pain. Less common but more serious side effects can include kidney problems, especially in elderly patients or those with pre-existing kidney issues, and central nervous system effects like confusion and hallucinations. Patients should stay well-hydrated while taking this medication to minimize the risk of kidney problems.
Comparison of Sildenafil and Valacyclovir
To avoid confusion, here is a comparison of the key features of the two medications that may appear as a blue pill with a variation of the imprint '86'.
| Feature | Round, blue pill with '86' (Sildenafil 25 mg) | Oblong/Capsule, blue pill with 'I 86' (Valacyclovir 500 mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Sildenafil Citrate | Valacyclovir Hydrochloride |
| Primary Use | Erectile Dysfunction, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension | Herpes virus infections (cold sores, genital herpes, shingles) |
| Drug Class | PDE5 Inhibitor | Antiviral, Purine Nucleoside |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, flushing, dyspepsia, vision changes | Headache, nausea, stomach pain |
| Serious Side Effects | Priapism (prolonged erection), sudden vision loss, low blood pressure | Kidney problems, central nervous system effects |
| Prescription Status | Prescription only | Prescription only |
What to Do if You Find an Unidentified Pill
Finding an unidentified pill can be concerning. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your safety:
- Do not take it. Never ingest a pill unless it was personally dispensed to you by a pharmacist or healthcare provider. The risks of taking the wrong medication are significant and can lead to adverse health effects or serious drug interactions.
- Examine the pill. Note its shape, size, color, and any markings. These details are essential for proper identification. For example, a round shape points toward Sildenafil, while an oblong shape suggests Valacyclovir.
- Use a pill identifier tool. Resources like those from Drugs.com or Medicine.com can be helpful for initial identification, but they are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
- Consult a healthcare professional. The safest course of action is to contact a doctor or pharmacist. They can confirm the pill's identity and determine if it's safe for you.
- Securely dispose of the pill. If the medication is no longer needed or expired, dispose of it properly. You can learn about safe medication disposal methods from the FDA.
Conclusion
While a blue pill with '86' is a common imprint, its specific shape, either round for Sildenafil (erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension) or oblong for Valacyclovir (herpes infections), determines the medication. Taking the wrong medication can have severe consequences. Always rely on a professional medical opinion for definitive identification and never consume a pill without knowing exactly what it is and whether it is appropriate for your condition. Your safety and health depend on it.
Medication disposal guidelines can be found on the FDA website.
