Identifying a medication by color and a partial imprint can be misleading and dangerous. While a pill with the numbers '67' on it may be pink, the final identification depends on the pill's complete imprint code, its shape, and additional colors. Never ingest an unknown pill. Always consult a healthcare professional, pharmacist, or use a reliable pill identifier with all available information to ensure safety.
The Critical Importance of a Full Pill Description
Most medications are manufactured with a unique combination of color, shape, and imprint code to prevent confusion. This is a crucial safety measure to help patients, caregivers, and medical professionals identify pills correctly. Relying on just a partial marking like '67' can be a serious mistake, as multiple drugs from different classes may share some characteristics. For example, some imprints include additional letters before or after the numbers, or a line separating the numbers, which can lead to entirely different diagnoses and treatments.
What Details Are Needed for Proper Identification?
To effectively identify an unknown pill, provide a comprehensive description, including:
- Imprint Code: The full set of letters and numbers on the pill (e.g., 'A 6 7', 'E 67', 'ap FEN 67').
- Color: Be as specific as possible (e.g., solid pink, brown/pink, light pink).
- Shape: Common shapes include oblong/capsule, oval, round, and three-sided.
- Scoring: Note if there is a line on the pill that allows it to be broken in half.
- Other Markings: Some pills may have markings on both sides or different colors on each half of a capsule.
Possible Identities of a Pink Pill with '67'
Here are some of the most common medications that could be a pink pill with '67', based on their specific imprint codes, shapes, and colors. The correct identification depends on matching all physical details.
Amoxicillin Trihydrate (Imprint: A 6 7)
- Appearance: A pink, oblong (capsule-shaped) tablet, approximately 21mm in size, with the imprint 'A 6 7' on one side.
- What It Is: Amoxicillin is a common prescription antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.
- Drug Class: It belongs to the class of aminopenicillin antibiotics.
- Key Use: Treats bacterial infections, bacterial endocarditis prevention, and other conditions.
Omeprazole Delayed-Release (Imprint: E 67)
- Appearance: A brown and pink, oblong (capsule-shaped) capsule, around 19mm in size, with the imprint 'E 67'. The capsule contains enteric-coated granules.
- What It Is: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that decreases stomach acid production.
- Drug Class: Proton pump inhibitors.
- Key Use: Treats GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), duodenal ulcers, and erosive esophagitis. It can be available by prescription or over-the-counter.
Fenofibrate (Micronized) (Imprint: ap FEN 67)
- Appearance: A pink, oblong (capsule-shaped) capsule, about 14mm in size, with the imprint 'ap FEN 67'.
- What It Is: Fenofibrate is a fibrate medication that helps lower high cholesterol.
- Drug Class: Fibric acid derivative.
- Key Use: Used to treat hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides) and elevated LDL.
Oxazepam (Imprint: R-067 R-067)
- Appearance: A pink, oblong capsule. The imprint 'R-067 R-067' is separated by a dash.
- What It Is: Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine that acts on the central nervous system.
- Drug Class: Benzodiazepine.
- Key Use: Used to treat anxiety and manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. This is a controlled substance.
Skelaxin (Metaxalone) (Imprint: 86 67 S)
- Appearance: A pink, oval tablet with the imprint '86 67 S'.
- What It Is: Metaxalone is a muscle relaxant.
- Drug Class: Muscle relaxant.
- Key Use: Used for the treatment of muscle pain and stiffness.
Comparison of Potential Medications
To help visualize the differences, here is a quick-reference table of the potential drugs identified with '67'.
| Imprint | Drug Name | Use | Drug Class | Controlled Substance? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A 6 7 | Amoxicillin Trihydrate | Bacterial infections | Aminopenicillin | No |
| E 67 | Omeprazole Delayed-Release | GERD, ulcers | Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) | No |
| ap FEN 67 | Fenofibrate (Micronized) | High cholesterol, high triglycerides | Fibric acid derivative | No |
| R-067 R-067 | Oxazepam | Anxiety, alcohol withdrawal | Benzodiazepine | Yes, Schedule 4 |
| 86 67 S | Skelaxin (Metaxalone) | Muscle pain and stiffness | Muscle relaxant | No |
What to Do If You Find an Unidentified Pill
If you find a pill that you cannot identify with certainty, it is crucial to follow a safe protocol. Do not assume you know what it is based on color or a partial imprint. The potential for dangerous allergic reactions, drug interactions, or overdose is high with misidentified medications.
A Safe Action Plan
- Do Not Take It: The most important rule is to never take an unprescribed or unidentified pill. This includes sharing pills with others, as their medical history and other medications may interact negatively.
- Use a Reliable Pill Identifier: Tools like the one on Drugs.com are excellent resources. Enter all available information—imprint, color, and shape—to get a list of potential matches.
- Consult a Professional: The most definitive and safest course of action is to ask a pharmacist or a healthcare provider for help. They have access to comprehensive databases and expertise to make a precise identification.
- Safely Dispose: If the pill is not needed, dispose of it properly. Many pharmacies have safe drug disposal programs. Do not flush medications down the toilet or throw them in the trash, as this can contaminate the environment. For information on safe disposal, consult the FDA guidelines on medication disposal.
Conclusion
While a pink pill with 67 on it is a recognizable description, it is ultimately incomplete. Several different and important medications, ranging from antibiotics like Amoxicillin to acid reducers like Omeprazole and controlled substances like Oxazepam, have this combination of color and numbering as part of their imprint code. The key to proper identification lies in noting the complete imprint, shape, and additional colors. Never rely on incomplete information when dealing with pharmaceuticals. For your safety, always use a comprehensive pill identifier or consult a medical professional for certainty.
For a more thorough search, you can utilize the pill identifier on Drugs.com.
