Primary Identification: Sildenafil Citrate 20 mg
The most direct match for a small, white, round pill with the imprint "85" is Sildenafil Citrate 20 mg. This medication is a generic form of Revatio and is primarily used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While Sildenafil is more widely known under the brand name Viagra for treating erectile dysfunction, the 20 mg tablet with the '85' imprint is specifically formulated for PAH.
Mechanism of Action
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. In the context of PAH, it works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels. This action widens the pulmonary blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily through the lungs, which in turn reduces the pressure on the heart and improves exercise ability.
Potential Side Effects
Common side effects associated with Sildenafil Citrate include:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Back pain and myalgia (muscle aches)
- Upset stomach (dyspepsia) and diarrhea
- Pain in limbs
Crucial Safety Information
It is critically important not to take this medication without a prescription. A major risk is a severe drop in blood pressure if taken with nitrate medications, such as nitroglycerin, which are used to treat chest pain. This interaction can be fatal.
Other Medications with Similar Markings
Accurate pill identification requires checking all markings, as small variations can signify a completely different drug. Ignoring other letters or symbols can lead to dangerous errors. Several other white pills may have markings that could be mistaken for or contain the number 85:
- Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (MP 85): A white, oval or elliptical pill with the imprint "MP 85" is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. This is a double-strength tablet (800 mg/160 mg). Taking this antibiotic unnecessarily or incorrectly can lead to antibiotic resistance and other side effects.
- Chlorzoxazone (N0 85): A white, capsule-shaped tablet with the imprint "N0 85" is a skeletal muscle relaxant used to relieve discomfort from muscle spasms. Its use must be managed carefully by a healthcare provider.
- Penicillin V Potassium (E 8 5): A white, oval pill with the imprint "E 8 5" is an antibiotic, often prescribed for bacterial infections like strep throat. Like other antibiotics, it should only be taken as prescribed.
- Prednisone (50 85 V): A white, round tablet with the imprint "50 85 V" is a corticosteroid used to treat conditions such as severe allergies, arthritis, and breathing disorders.
Comparison of Pills with '85' Imprints
| Feature | Sildenafil Citrate | Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim | Chlorzoxazone | Penicillin V Potassium | Prednisone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imprint | 85 | MP 85 | N0 85 | E 8 5 | 50 85 V |
| Shape | Round | Oval / Elliptical | Capsule / Oblong | Oval | Round |
| Color | White | White | White | White | White |
| Drug Class | PDE-5 inhibitor | Sulfonamide antibiotic | Skeletal muscle relaxant | Natural penicillin | Corticosteroid |
| Purpose | PAH, Erectile Dysfunction | Bacterial Infections | Muscle Spasms | Bacterial Infections | Inflammation, Allergies |
| Controlled? | No | No | No | No | No |
The Critical Importance of Accurate Pill Identification
Attempting to identify a pill based on limited information, or using a medication that was not prescribed to you, can have serious and life-threatening consequences. The reasons why accurate identification is so crucial include:
- Risk of Overdose: The wrong dosage can be dangerous or even fatal. The potency and properties of medications are precisely calibrated, and a small error can have catastrophic effects.
- Hazardous Drug Interactions: Many medications interact negatively with one another. For example, taking Sildenafil with nitrates can cause a severe and dangerous drop in blood pressure. Unknowingly combining different drugs can have dangerous or even fatal outcomes.
- Allergic Reactions: Taking a medication to which you have an allergy can trigger a severe allergic reaction, which may include anaphylaxis.
- Counterfeit or Contaminated Drugs: Unidentified pills found loose are at risk of being counterfeit, contaminated, or improperly stored. Taking them could expose you to unknown and dangerous substances.
- Mismanaging a Medical Condition: Using the wrong medication for a health condition can cause it to worsen or lead to new illnesses and complications. Using an antibiotic when not needed, for example, contributes to antibiotic resistance.
How to Safely Handle and Identify an Unknown Pill
If you find a pill and are uncertain of its origin or purpose, follow these steps to ensure safety:
- Do not consume the pill. The primary rule of medication safety is never to take a pill unless you know exactly what it is and it was prescribed to you.
- Use a reliable Pill Identifier Tool. Online tools like those on Drugs.com or WebMD can help narrow down the possibilities by searching for the exact imprint, shape, and color.
- Consult a Professional. The safest and most reliable method is to contact your pharmacist or doctor. They can use your medical records and professional tools to provide a definitive identification. In a medical emergency, you should call 911 or a poison control center immediately.
- Check for All Markings. As demonstrated by the comparison table, different medications can have very similar numerical markings. Ensure you check both sides of the pill for any letters or other symbols.
- Securely Dispose of Unknown Pills. If the pill cannot be safely identified or is not yours, it should be disposed of properly. Never flush medications down the toilet. Many pharmacies and local authorities have designated drug take-back programs.
Conclusion
While a small, white, round pill with the imprint "85" is most likely Sildenafil Citrate 20 mg, it is crucial to recognize that similar imprints can exist on entirely different medications. The dangers of misidentification, including overdose, harmful drug interactions, and improper treatment, are severe. The only safe course of action is to avoid consuming any unknown pill and consult a healthcare professional for a definitive identification. Your health is not worth the risk of a dangerous guess.
