A medication's color is never a reliable way to identify it alone, but it can be a useful starting point when combined with its imprint code and shape. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that most prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) tablets and capsules have a unique imprint code for identification. When multiple generic manufacturers produce the same drug, their versions can vary in color and shape to avoid trademark infringement. For these reasons, you should never take a pill that you cannot positively identify.
Common medications that come in a yellow pill
Several well-known prescription and over-the-counter drugs are available in yellow. Here are some of the most common examples, categorized by their primary use.
Benzodiazepines for anxiety and seizures
These medications are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that can treat anxiety, panic disorders, and seizures. They are classified as controlled substances due to their potential for dependence and abuse.
- Clonazepam (Teva 832): A small, round, yellow pill imprinted with 'TEVA' on one side and '832' on the other, this 1 mg tablet is often used for panic disorders and certain seizures. Lower doses can be yellow as well.
- Diazepam (Valium): Available as a 5 mg yellow tablet, this benzodiazepine is used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal. A 5 mg version from Teva Pharmaceuticals is a round, yellow tablet imprinted 'TEVA' on one side and '3926' on the other.
- Alprazolam (Xanax XR): Certain extended-release formulations of this anxiety medication come in a yellow, round shape. For example, a 1 mg version may be imprinted with 'X 73'.
Opioid painkillers for moderate to severe pain
These are potent pain-relieving medications that are also Schedule II controlled substances.
- Percocet (Oxycodone/Acetaminophen): The highest dosage of this opioid painkiller, typically 10mg/325mg, is frequently found as a yellow, oval, or elliptical tablet. Generic versions also come in this color. The imprint may read 'PERCOCET 10/325' or have a manufacturer code, like 'C 230'.
- Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Lortab): The 10mg strength of this painkiller is known to come as a yellow, oblong, or oval pill. A generic version may have a 'V' imprint and be scored.
Other therapeutic classes
Many other classes of drugs use yellow coloring for various reasons, from brand distinction to dose differentiation.
- Gabapentin: This medication, used for seizures and nerve pain, is available in yellow capsule form.
- Cyclobenzaprine: This muscle relaxant may be a 10 mg yellow, round tablet, with potential imprints like '2632 V' or 'IG 283'.
- Phenazopyridine: An over-the-counter medication for urinary tract pain relief, it is available as a yellow tablet under various brand names.
- Celecoxib: This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) can be a yellow capsule, with the 200 mg strength sometimes imprinted '1442 200'.
Comparison of common yellow pills
| Medication Name | Common Use | Typical Imprint(s) | Shape | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clonazepam | Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Seizures | TEVA 832 | Round | IV |
| Percocet | Moderate-to-severe pain | PERCOCET 10/325, C 230 | Oval/Elliptical | II |
| Diazepam | Anxiety, Muscle Spasms, Alcohol Withdrawal | TEVA 3926 | Round | IV |
| Alprazolam XR | Anxiety, Panic Disorder | X 73 | Round | IV |
| Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen | Moderate-to-severe pain | V (Generic) | Oblong/Oval | II |
| Gabapentin | Seizures, Nerve Pain | 104, 300 mg 235 | Capsule/Oblong | V (in some states) |
How to safely identify a pill
If you find an unidentified yellow pill, never take it. Follow these steps to ensure safe identification:
- Find the imprint code. The letters, numbers, or symbols on the pill are the most reliable identifier. A pill without an imprint could be a vitamin, supplement, or an illegal drug.
- Note its physical appearance. Record the pill's color, shape (e.g., round, oval, capsule), and whether it's scored (a line down the middle).
- Use an online pill identifier. Reputable websites like Drugs.com or WebMD have databases where you can enter the imprint, color, and shape to narrow down the possibilities.
- Consult a pharmacist or doctor. If you are unable to identify a pill, or if your medication looks different than expected, your pharmacist can verify it. Always consult a healthcare professional for definitive confirmation.
- Contact a Poison Control Center. If you suspect an accidental overdose or poisoning, call 911 immediately or contact a poison center at 1-800-222-1222.
Why pill color is not a primary identifier
While color can be a memory aid, relying on it exclusively for identification can lead to dangerous errors. As noted by UCLA Health, different manufacturers create distinct-looking versions of the same drug. This is common with generic medications, where the color and shape can differ significantly from the brand-name version. For example, the 5 mg dose of diazepam is yellow, but the 2 mg dose is white and the 10 mg dose is blue when manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals. In addition, counterfeit pills often mimic the appearance of legitimate drugs, as has occurred with yellow Percocet. Always prioritize the imprint code over color for accurate identification.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a yellow pill could be one of many different medications, from a common anxiety drug like Clonazepam to a powerful opioid like Percocet. Because color is an unreliable indicator and counterfeit medications pose a serious threat, relying on the unique imprint code is the only safe method for identification. If you have an unidentified pill, use a trusted online identifier or consult a healthcare professional to determine its identity and avoid potentially life-threatening risks. You can use official resources from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) Support Center to help.
