The number '111' stamped on a pill can lead to confusion because it is not associated with just one specific medication. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that most prescription and over-the-counter medications have an imprint code, which can be a combination of letters, numbers, or symbols. However, as different manufacturers produce various drugs, the same imprint can appear on pills with different chemical compositions and purposes. This makes it critical to consider the pill's color, shape, and size alongside its imprint for correct identification. Taking the wrong medication, especially one that is a controlled substance, can have serious or life-threatening consequences.
Common Medications with the Imprint '111'
To correctly identify a pill with the '111' imprint, you must look for additional details. The following sections describe some of the most common medications marked with this number, based on information from reliable drug databases.
Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate
One common medication featuring the imprint '111' is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone.
- Appearance: White, oval-shaped pill, 19mm in size.
- Purpose: This drug is a narcotic analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain, such as that caused by back pain or cough.
- Classification: It is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled substance, indicating a high potential for abuse and dependency.
- Side Effects: Potential side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and constipation.
Alprazolam
Another medication that may be marked with '111' is Alprazolam, commonly known by its brand name, Xanax.
- Appearance: White, round pill, 10mm in size.
- Purpose: This benzodiazepine is used to manage anxiety and panic disorders.
- Classification: Alprazolam is a Schedule 4 controlled substance, meaning it has a lower but still present potential for abuse compared to Schedule 2 drugs.
- Side Effects: Side effects may include sedation, coordination problems, fatigue, and memory issues.
Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended Release
This is an extended-release capsule for ADHD treatment.
- Appearance: Clear/white, capsule/oblong, 23mm in size.
- Purpose: A central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Classification: It is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and dependence.
- Side Effects: Common side effects can include insomnia, nervousness, headache, and decreased appetite.
Clopidogrel Bisulfate
For cardiovascular health, a different pill may carry the '111' imprint.
- Appearance: Pink, round pill, 9mm in size.
- Purpose: This is an antiplatelet medication used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in individuals with a history of heart disease.
- Classification: This medication is not a controlled substance.
- Side Effects: Side effects may include chest pain, headaches, bruising, or gastrointestinal upset.
Losartan Potassium
Another cardiovascular medication with this imprint is Losartan Potassium.
- Appearance: White, round pill, 6mm in size.
- Purpose: An angiotensin receptor blocker used to treat high blood pressure and diabetic kidney disease.
- Classification: Losartan is not a controlled substance.
- Side Effects: Possible side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and potassium level changes.
Comparison of Pills with the '111' Imprint
| Characteristic | Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone | Alprazolam | Dexmethylphenidate ER | Clopidogrel Bisulfate | Losartan Potassium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White, oval, 19mm | White, round, 10mm | Clear/white, oblong capsule, 23mm | Pink, round, 9mm | White, round, 6mm |
| Drug Class | Narcotic Analgesic | Benzodiazepine | CNS Stimulant | Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor | Angiotensin Receptor Blocker |
| Main Use(s) | Pain, Cough | Anxiety, Panic Disorder | ADHD | Stroke, Heart Attack Prevention | High Blood Pressure |
| Controlled Status | Schedule 2 | Schedule 4 | Schedule 2 | Not Controlled | Not Controlled |
| Manufacturer | Various | Par Pharmaceutical Inc. | Lannett Company, Inc. | Megalith Pharma Inc. | Various |
Crucial Safety Precautions
Because the imprint '111' can refer to such different medications, exercising extreme caution is paramount. Never assume you know what a pill is without definitive confirmation from a healthcare provider or pharmacist. The following list outlines essential safety precautions:
- Do Not Guess: Never consume a pill based on a guess or a partial identification. The risks of drug interactions, side effects, or overdose are too high.
- Use Visuals: Always combine the imprint number with the pill's color, shape, and size when using an identification tool online.
- Consult a Professional: The most reliable method is to take the pill to a pharmacist, who has access to comprehensive databases and can confirm its identity.
- Never Take Unprescribed Medication: It is illegal and highly dangerous to take a prescription medication not prescribed to you. Medication dosages are tailored to an individual's health needs and medical history.
- Proper Disposal: If you find an unidentified pill, do not flush it down the toilet. Follow guidelines for safe disposal of unused medications.
How to Safely Identify an Unknown Pill
If you have a pill with '111' that you need to identify, follow these steps instead of making assumptions:
- Examine All Visuals: Note the exact color, shape, and size of the pill. Observe if there are any other markings, such as letters or logos. For example, some pills with a '111' imprint also have a manufacturer's mark.
- Use an Online Tool: Reputable websites like Drugs.com or WebMD offer pill identification tools. Enter the imprint '111' along with the color and shape for a list of potential matches. Ensure you compare the pill you have with the images provided.
- Contact a Pharmacist: Take the pill to a pharmacist for positive identification. They can check it against a comprehensive database and also access your medication history to rule out any potential confusion with a recent prescription.
- Contact a Poison Control Center: If you suspect an accidental ingestion or overdose, especially if a child is involved, call 911 or a poison control center immediately. They can help identify the medication and provide emergency instructions.
For additional help, you can use the Pill Identifier tool from Drugs.com, which is a trusted resource for verifying medication imprints.
Conclusion
The imprint '111' is not a definitive identifier for a single drug. The variety of medications—from potent narcotic painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs to cardiovascular medication—that can carry this imprint underscores the critical importance of careful and accurate identification. Never risk your health by guessing what a pill is. Always use reliable identification tools, consult a healthcare professional, and follow all safety precautions to prevent accidental harm. This diligence is essential for ensuring both your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment.
