Pill identification is a critical safety practice that should always involve a medical professional. The question, “What is a red pill with 805 on it?” is particularly complex because no single medication definitively matches this description. While the imprint 805 is found on several different drugs, the specific combination of 'red' and '805' most commonly refers to a capsule that is actually red and white, a key distinction from a solid red pill. Misidentification can lead to severe health consequences, so understanding the possibilities and exercising extreme caution is paramount.
The Most Likely Candidate: AMNEAL 805
The imprint 'AMNEAL 805' is the most direct match involving the number 805 and the color red, though it’s a capsule rather than a solid pill. This medication is Temozolomide 180 mg, a potent chemotherapy drug used to treat certain types of brain cancer, including glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma.
Key characteristics of Temozolomide (AMNEAL 805):
- Appearance: A red and white, oblong capsule.
- Drug Class: Alkylating agent (a type of chemotherapy).
- Controlled Substance: No, it is not a controlled substance.
As a powerful chemotherapy drug, Temozolomide has significant side effects and should only be taken under strict medical supervision. Accidentally ingesting this medication can lead to serious health issues, making correct identification critical.
Other Medications with the 805 Imprint
Given the potential for misinterpretation of a pill's appearance, it is important to consider other medications marked with 805 or similar imprints. None of these are red, but they serve as a cautionary example of how small details in pill identification can point to entirely different drugs with different uses and risks.
Possible 805 Imprints:
- Trazodone Hydrochloride: Marked
8 05, this is a 50 mg white, round tablet used as an antidepressant and sleep aid. - Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride: Marked
805, this is a 50 mg orange, round tablet used as an antipsychotic for managing conditions like hiccups, mania, nausea, and opiate withdrawal. - Meprobamate: Marked
805 WATSON, this is a 400 mg white, round tablet prescribed for anxiety. - Histex (triprolidine hydrochloride): Marked
805, this is a blue, round tablet used as an antihistamine for allergies.
Comparison of Medications with '805' Imprint
| Feature | AMNEAL 805 | 8 05 (Trazodone) | 805 (Chlorpromazine) | 805 WATSON (Meprobamate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Red and white capsule | White, round tablet | Orange, round tablet | White, round tablet |
| Primary Use | Brain cancer (chemotherapy) | Depression, Insomnia | Antipsychotic (e.g., hiccups, nausea) | Anxiety |
| Drug Class | Alkylating Agent | Phenylpiperazine Antidepressant | Phenothiazine Antipsychotic | Anxiolytic, Sedative |
| Controlled | No | No | No | Yes (Schedule IV) |
| Risks | Severe side effects, should not be handled casually | Sedation, interactions with other drugs | Sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms | Dependence, sedation |
Why Proper Identification is Non-Negotiable
Misidentifying medication is a serious risk that can lead to adverse events, overdose, or lack of treatment for a serious condition. Relying on visual cues alone, especially when details like color are not a perfect match, is extremely dangerous.
- Dosage Errors: An unknown pill could have a vastly different dosage and effect than assumed.
- Drug Interactions: Taking an unknown medication could lead to dangerous interactions with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal supplements.
- Overdose Risk: Controlled substances like Meprobamate carry a risk of abuse and overdose, and even non-controlled drugs can cause overdose if taken incorrectly.
- Toxicity: Chemo agents like Temozolomide are highly toxic and can cause serious harm if not administered correctly.
How to Safely Identify an Unknown Pill
- Do not ingest it. The most important rule is to never take a pill you cannot definitively identify.
- Use a reliable pill identifier tool. Websites like Drugs.com offer databases where you can input imprint codes and color to narrow down possibilities.
- Consult a medical professional. The safest course of action is to bring the pill to a pharmacist or doctor who can provide a definite identification.
- Store safely. Until you can identify the pill, store it in a secure location out of reach of children or pets.
- Dispose properly. For medications you no longer need, use a designated drug take-back program. Do not flush them down the toilet unless specifically instructed, as this can harm the water supply.
Conclusion
Upon investigation, the query "what is a red pill with 805 on it?" points toward the chemotherapy capsule AMNEAL 805 (Temozolomide), which is red and white. However, the imprint 805 is also used for other, non-red medications, including Trazodone and Chlorpromazine. This serves as a powerful reminder of why self-diagnosis and pill identification are incredibly risky. Without a medical professional's guidance, it is impossible to be certain of a pill's true identity, its intended purpose, or its potential for harm. Always prioritize safety and consult a doctor or pharmacist for any unknown medication.
For additional information on responsible medication usage and disposal, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) website. Link: https://nida.nih.gov/
