The critical importance of visual identification
Identifying a pill solely by its numerical or alphabetical imprint is unreliable and potentially dangerous. The imprint is only one piece of a larger identification puzzle. Pharmaceutical companies use imprints to identify their drugs, but the same code can be used by different manufacturers for different medications, or on pills of different strengths or formulations. To accurately identify a pill with the '114' imprint, one must consider its color, shape, and any other markings present. Misidentifying a medication could have serious health consequences, especially if it leads to the incorrect use of a potent drug like an opioid.
Medications associated with the '114' imprint
Several different pills can carry the '114' imprint, each with a distinct appearance and purpose. The most common possibilities include a powerful opioid, a common over-the-counter pain reliever, and prescription medications for hypertension and high cholesterol.
White, round '114' (Oxycodone Hydrochloride)
One of the most critical identifications is the white, round pill with the imprint '114'. This pill is identified as Oxycodone Hydrochloride.
- Drug class: Opioid (narcotic analgesic)
- Uses: Treatment of moderate to severe pain, including chronic pain.
- Controlled substance: Yes, it is classified as a CSA Schedule 2 controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and dependence.
- Risks: Taking this drug without a prescription or misidentifying it as another medication could lead to a fatal overdose.
Brown, round '114' (Ibuprofen)
This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly available over-the-counter.
- Drug class: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
- Uses: Reduces inflammation, fever, and pain. It is used for conditions like headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, and menstrual cramps.
- Availability: Prescription and OTC.
White, oval '114' (Losartan Potassium)
This is a prescription medication for managing cardiovascular health.
- Drug class: Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
- Uses: Treats high blood pressure (hypertension) and protects the kidneys from damage caused by diabetes.
White, oval/elliptical '114' (Atorvastatin Calcium)
Atorvastatin is another prescription medication for managing long-term health conditions.
- Drug class: Statin
- Uses: Lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels to help prevent heart attack and stroke.
Pink, round '114' (Bisoprolol/Hydrochlorothiazide)
This is a combination medication for treating hypertension.
- Drug class: Beta blocker with a thiazide diuretic
- Uses: Treats high blood pressure by combining two different mechanisms.
Comparison of '114' pills
| Feature | White, Round '114' | Brown, Round '114' | White, Oval '114' | White, Oval '114' | Pink, Round '114' |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medication | Oxycodone HCl | Ibuprofen | Losartan Potassium | Atorvastatin | Bisoprolol/HCTZ |
| Drug Class | Opioid | NSAID | Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker | Statin | Beta Blocker + Diuretic |
| Purpose | Pain relief (moderate to severe) | Pain, fever, inflammation | High blood pressure, kidney disease | High cholesterol | High blood pressure |
| Controlled | Yes (Schedule 2) | No | No | No | No |
| Potential Dangers | High potential for abuse, dependence, overdose | Stomach bleeding, ulcers with long-term use | Dizziness, electrolyte imbalance | Liver enzyme changes, muscle pain | Dizziness, fatigue |
| Availability | Prescription only | OTC and prescription | Prescription only | Prescription only | Prescription only |
Steps to take if you find an unidentified pill
- Do not take it. Never take any pill that is not in its original, labeled packaging. The risk of misidentification is too high.
- Inspect its appearance. Use a reliable pill identifier tool online to compare the imprint, color, and shape. Look at the pill from multiple angles to note all markings.
- Use a reliable database. Websites like Drugs.com, RxList, and the U.S. National Library of Medicine provide comprehensive pill identification tools. These are more accurate than a simple web search based on the imprint alone.
- Consult a professional. If you cannot positively identify the pill or are unsure, do not use it. Contact a pharmacist or poison control for expert advice.
- Secure or dispose of it safely. If the pill belongs to someone else, store it securely where it cannot be accessed accidentally. For unwanted pills, follow local regulations for safe medication disposal. Do not flush them down the toilet.
Conclusion
When faced with the question, “What is pill 114 used for?”, the answer is never simple. The numerical imprint ‘114’ does not denote a single medication but can be a dangerous opioid, a mild over-the-counter pain reliever, or a prescription drug for high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Relying on an imprint alone is a risky practice. Proper medication safety requires careful identification using all visual cues, including color and shape, and confirming the identity through a reputable source like a pill identifier database or a healthcare professional. Always treat an unknown pill with extreme caution to prevent serious health risks associated with misidentification.
Lists of resources
- Online Pill Identification Tools
- Drugs.com Pill Identifier
- RxList Pill Identification Tool
- U.S. National Library of Medicine (NIH) Pillbox
- Safety Hotlines
- Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US)
- FDA MedWatch for reporting adverse events
Glossary of terms
- NSAID: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
- Opioid: A class of drugs that reduce pain but have a high potential for abuse
- ARB: Angiotensin II receptor blocker
- Statin: A class of drugs used to lower cholesterol
- HCTZ: Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic
