Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is an international pharmaceutical company that manufactures a wide variety of both generic and brand-name drugs. Because of this, a pill with the imprint "TEVA" could be one of thousands of different medications, each prescribed for a different purpose. To correctly and safely identify what a specific TEVA pill is used for, you must use the complete identifying information found on the pill itself, including the imprint code, shape, and color.
Understanding the TEVA Imprint Code
The letters "TEVA" on a pill identify the manufacturer, but the additional numbers or letters are crucial for identifying the specific active ingredient and dosage. For example, a round yellow pill with "TEVA 832" is a 0.5 mg dose of clonazepam, while a round white pill with "TEVA 54" is a 10 mg dose of buspirone. Ignoring this additional information could lead to serious medical errors.
Common examples of TEVA pills and their uses
Due to the sheer number of medications produced by Teva, this is not an exhaustive list but provides common examples to illustrate the variety of uses.
Medications for Central Nervous System (CNS) Disorders
- Clonazepam (imprint TEVA 832, 833, etc.): Used for anxiety, panic disorders, and seizure disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.
- Buspirone (imprint TEVA 54): An anxiolytic medication used for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It is not a controlled substance.
- Diazepam (imprint TEVA 3926): A benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures.
- Bupropion (various TEVA imprints): An antidepressant also used for smoking cessation.
- Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (various TEVA imprints): A central nervous system stimulant used for ADHD.
Medications for Pain and Other Conditions
- TEVA-CODEINE (various strengths): Used for mild to moderate pain and non-productive cough in adults. It is an opioid and carries a risk of dependence.
- Sildenafil (imprint TEVA 5343): Used for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- Famotidine (imprint TEVA 5728): A histamine-2 blocker used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers and acid reflux.
Cardiovascular and Other Medications
- Pravastatin (imprint TEVA 7201): A statin medication used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Amlodipine (various TEVA imprints): A calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain.
- Cephalexin (imprint TEVA 3147): An antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
How to safely identify your TEVA pill
- Do not rely on color and shape alone: While these are clues, many different pills can have similar appearances. The imprint code is the most reliable identifier.
- Use an online pill identifier: Reputable websites like Drugs.com allow you to search for a pill by its imprint, color, and shape to confirm its identity.
- Consult your pharmacist or doctor: If you are unsure, the safest course of action is to speak with a healthcare professional. They can confirm the medication and dosage from your prescription details.
Comparison of different TEVA medications
To further illustrate the diversity of TEVA products, here is a comparison of three different pills manufactured by the company.
| Feature | TEVA 832 (Clonazepam) | TEVA 54 (Buspirone) | TEVA 5343 (Sildenafil) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Benzodiazepine anticonvulsant | Miscellaneous anxiolytic | Impotence agent, Pulmonary hypertension agent |
| Primary Uses | Panic disorder, seizures | Anxiety, panic disorder | Erectile dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension |
| Imprint Code | TEVA 832 | TEVA 54 | TEVA 5343 |
| Color | Yellow | White | White |
| Shape | Round | Round | Oval |
| Controlled Substance? | Yes, Schedule 4 | No | No |
Conclusion: The critical role of careful identification
In summary, a pill with the imprint "TEVA" is a medication produced by the manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals. Its specific use depends on the unique imprint code, color, and shape. As shown by the examples, these pills can range from controlled substances for serious neurological conditions to non-controlled drugs for common ailments. The vastness of the TEVA product catalog emphasizes the critical importance of using the full pill imprint for accurate identification, rather than assuming its purpose based on the manufacturer's name alone. Always consult a medical professional if you have any questions or concerns about your medication.
For a complete database of all medications, including those manufactured by Teva, you can use the pill identifier tool on drugs.com: Drugs.com Pill Identifier.
A note on safety
Self-diagnosing or taking medication without a prescription is extremely dangerous. Always ensure you are taking the correct medication as prescribed by your doctor. Misidentification can lead to severe health consequences, including accidental overdose, drug interactions, or improper treatment of a medical condition.
