What Does I10 Mean on a Pill? Decoding Different Medications with the Same Imprint

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. FDA, nearly all prescription and over-the-counter pills are required to have a unique imprint code, a critical feature for safety. Understanding what does I10 mean on a pill involves recognizing that this specific marking can correspond to different medications, which are distinguished by their unique shape, color, and size.

Quick Summary

The imprint 'I10' or 'I 10' can signify several different medications, including Ibuprofen 800mg, Isoxsuprine 10mg, and others. Accurate identification requires cross-referencing the pill's shape, color, and size with a reliable pill identifier database to avoid dangerous medication errors.

Key Points

Imprint is not enough: The 'I10' imprint can correspond to several different medications; relying solely on this code is dangerous.
Look at all details: Correct identification depends on combining the imprint with the pill's specific shape, color, and size.
Common 'I 10' is Ibuprofen: A white, oblong pill with 'I 10' is typically Ibuprofen 800mg, a powerful NSAID for pain and inflammation.
Round 'I10' is Isoxsuprine: A round, white pill with 'I10' is likely Isoxsuprine 10mg, a vasodilator for circulation problems.
Use a pill identifier tool: Reputable online databases are the most effective way to cross-reference a pill's physical characteristics with known drugs.
Consult a professional: If you are in any doubt about a pill's identity, always contact a pharmacist or other healthcare provider for confirmation.
Do not take unknown pills: Never ingest an unidentified pill due to the high risk of dangerous side effects, allergic reactions, or overdose.

The Purpose of Drug Imprints

Pill imprints are alphanumeric codes, symbols, or logos physically marked onto tablets and capsules during manufacturing. This FDA requirement is a crucial safeguard for medication safety, helping healthcare providers, pharmacists, and patients identify medications accurately. However, a single imprint like 'I10' can represent different medications, and sometimes even different manufacturers. To safely and correctly identify a pill, it is essential to consider not only the imprint but also its color, shape, and size.

Decoding the I10 Imprint: Key Medications

When you see 'I10' or 'I 10' on a pill, it is most commonly associated with one of the following medications. The combination of the imprint with the pill's other physical characteristics is what allows for a correct identification. Always check multiple attributes before concluding what a pill is.

Ibuprofen 800 mg

One of the most frequently identified pills with a variant of this imprint is Ibuprofen 800 mg. This is a powerful nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever.

Imprint: 'I 10' (with a space)
Color: White
Shape: Capsule-shaped or oblong
Key Use: Prescribed for moderate to severe pain, such as that caused by arthritis, menstrual cramps, or musculoskeletal injuries.

Isoxsuprine Hydrochloride 10 mg

A round, white pill with the imprint 'I10' (without a space) is identified as Isoxsuprine Hydrochloride 10 mg. This is a prescription medication in the class of peripheral vasodilators.

Imprint: 'I10' (no space)
Color: White
Shape: Round
Key Use: Used to treat conditions related to poor blood circulation, such as Raynaud's syndrome and cerebrovascular insufficiency.

Amnesteem 10 mg (Isotretinoin)

Another possibility for the 'I10' imprint is Amnesteem, a brand of Isotretinoin. This medication is used for severe acne.

Imprint: 'I10' (no space)
Color: Red
Shape: Oblong or capsule-shaped
Key Use: Treats severe recalcitrant nodular acne that has not responded to other therapies.

Nebivolol Hydrochloride 20 mg

Although less common, some versions of Nebivolol Hydrochloride, a beta-blocker for treating hypertension, have been associated with a similar imprint.

Imprint: 'I 10' (with a space)
Color: Blue
Shape: Three-sided
Key Use: Prescribed for managing high blood pressure.

The Dangers of Inaccurate Identification

Misidentifying medication can lead to serious health consequences, from ineffectiveness to dangerous overdose. Relying on memory or incomplete information is a significant risk. Taking a powerful NSAID like Ibuprofen 800mg when a different drug was intended, for example, could lead to severe gastrointestinal issues. Conversely, taking a blood pressure medication by mistake could have life-threatening effects. Accurate identification prevents medication errors that could be fatal in emergency situations.

How to Verify an 'I10' Pill Safely

If you find a pill and are unsure of its identity, follow these steps to proceed with caution:

Note all characteristics: Write down the full imprint code, exact color, shape, and size. Even subtle differences matter (e.g., 'I 10' vs. 'I10').
Use an online pill identifier: Use a reputable tool like the one on Drugs.com or WebMD. These databases allow you to input the pill's details and compare your pill to high-resolution images.
Consult a pharmacist: A pharmacist has access to extensive databases and professional experience that can help identify the pill accurately. If you have a prescription bottle, they can compare the pills against the medication information.
Do not ingest: If any doubt remains, do not take the pill. The potential dangers far outweigh the benefits of guessing.
Safe disposal: If you cannot identify the pill, dispose of it safely. Many pharmacies and local law enforcement offices offer secure medication drop-off points. You can find more information about proper disposal on the FDA website.

Comparison of Common 'I10' Imprint Pills


Feature	Ibuprofen 800 mg	Isoxsuprine 10 mg	Amnesteem 10 mg	Nebivolol 20 mg
Imprint	I 10	I10	I10	I 10
Color	White	White	Red	Blue
Shape	Oblong/Capsule	Round	Oblong/Capsule	Three-sided
Active Ingredient	Ibuprofen	Isoxsuprine Hydrochloride	Isotretinoin	Nebivolol Hydrochloride
Drug Class	NSAID	Peripheral Vasodilator	Antineoplastic/Misc.	Beta-Blocker
Common Use	Pain, inflammation	Circulation issues	Severe acne	High blood pressure

Conclusion

The imprint on a pill is an essential safety feature, but it's rarely the only information you need. As demonstrated by the multiple medications associated with 'I10', a complete and accurate identification requires careful observation of the pill's other characteristics—color, shape, and size. Taking the time to cross-reference with a reliable online tool and, if necessary, consult a healthcare professional, is the safest way to ensure you are taking the correct medication. Never take an unknown pill, and always prioritize safety over assumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common drug associated with the imprint 'I 10' (with a space) is Ibuprofen 800mg, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

A white, round pill with the imprint 'I10' (no space) is typically Isoxsuprine Hydrochloride 10mg, a medication used to treat circulation issues.

Yes, a red, oblong capsule with the imprint 'I10' can be Amnesteem 10mg, which contains the active ingredient Isotretinoin and is used to treat severe acne.

Pill imprints, shapes, colors, and sizes must be unique in combination, but manufacturers can reuse codes for different drugs. That is why it is crucial to use all visual information for identification.

Do not take the pill. Use an online pill identifier tool, and if you are still uncertain, consult a pharmacist or doctor for a definitive identification.

Yes, the FDA requires that nearly all prescription and over-the-counter solid oral medications have a unique, identifiable imprint code.

The risks include taking the wrong medication, an incorrect dose, or a drug you are allergic to. It can lead to dangerous side effects, overdose, or lack of treatment for your intended condition.

Contact your local pharmacy or law enforcement agency to see if they offer a secure medication take-back service. The FDA website also provides guidance on safe disposal methods.