The Importance of Accurate Pill Identification
Properly identifying an unknown pill is a critical step in ensuring health and safety. Taking the wrong medication, especially one with a similar-looking imprint, can lead to serious adverse effects or prevent you from getting the proper treatment for your condition. The number "152" is a prime example of an imprint that can represent different drugs, produced by various manufacturers, and used for very different purposes. Consulting a pharmacist or using a reliable pill identification tool is the safest course of action.
Common Medications Associated with '152' Imprints
To accurately identify a pill with a '152' imprint, you must consider the pill's color, shape, and any additional letters or markings. Below is a breakdown of some of the most common medications that use variations of this code.
Ibuprofen 600 mg (White, Oblong, 152)
One of the most frequently identified pills with a '152' imprint is a 600 mg dose of Ibuprofen.
- Appearance: A white, oblong or capsule-shaped tablet.
- Other markings: The imprint is simply "152".
- Drug Class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
- Uses: Common uses include treating pain, back pain, and inflammation.
Haloperidol 2 mg (White, Round, I 152)
This medication is a potent antipsychotic and is significantly different from an over-the-counter NSAID.
- Appearance: A small, white, round tablet.
- Other markings: The imprint is "I 152".
- Drug Class: Miscellaneous antipsychotic agent.
- Uses: Prescribed to treat psychosis, severe agitation, and some cases of nausea and vomiting.
Berplex Plus (Yellow, Oval, 152 COPLEY)
Berplex Plus is a dietary supplement, not a prescription drug, though it shares the "152" code with other substances.
- Appearance: A yellow, oval tablet.
- Other markings: Imprinted with "152 COPLEY".
- Drug Class: Vitamin and mineral combination.
- Uses: Used for vitamin and mineral supplementation and deficiency.
Meloxicam 7.5 mg (Yellow, Round, T 152)
This is another NSAID, but with a different dose and appearance than the Ibuprofen version.
- Appearance: A light yellow, round tablet with a flat beveled edge.
- Other markings: Imprinted with a "T" on one side and "152" on the other.
- Drug Class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
- Uses: Used for relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Atorvastatin Calcium 10 mg (Yellow, Oval, SG 152)
This is a cholesterol-lowering medication, distinct in function from other pills sharing the '152' marking.
- Appearance: A yellow, oval tablet.
- Other markings: The imprint is "SG 152".
- Drug Class: Statin.
- Uses: Prescribed to treat high cholesterol.
Comparing Medications with '152' Imprints
This comparison table helps illustrate how color, shape, and additional imprints are essential for proper identification, as the number '152' alone is insufficient.
| Imprint | Active Ingredient | Color | Shape | Drug Class | Primary Use | Controlled Substance? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 152 | Ibuprofen 600 mg | White | Capsule/Oblong | NSAID | Pain and inflammation | No |
| I 152 | Haloperidol 2 mg | White | Round | Antipsychotic | Psychosis, agitation | No |
| 152 COPLEY | Multivitamin with Minerals | Yellow | Oval | Supplement | Vitamin/mineral deficiency | No |
| T 152 | Meloxicam 7.5 mg | Light Yellow | Round | NSAID | Arthritis pain | No |
| SG 152 | Atorvastatin 10 mg | Yellow | Oval | Statin | High Cholesterol | No |
| AP 152 | Guaifenesin 400 mg | White | Oval | Expectorant | Cough and congestion | No |
| GDC 152 | Mintox Plus | Yellow | Round | Antacid | Indigestion, gas, GERD | No |
What to Do If You Can't Identify a Pill
If you have an unidentifiable pill with a '152' imprint, follow these guidelines to ensure your safety:
- Do not take the pill. Never consume a medication unless you are 100% certain of what it is and that it was prescribed to you.
- Use an online pill identifier. Enter all available information—the imprint, color, and shape—into a reputable online tool like the one provided by Drugs.com.
- Consult a pharmacist. A trained pharmacist can provide expert assistance in identifying the pill and can check your prescription records for a match.
- Contact your doctor. If the pill is from a prescription bottle, your doctor's office can verify the medication and dosage.
- Consider potential mix-ups. The pill may have been mixed up with other medications, or you may have picked up the wrong prescription. Double-check your prescription history and medication bottles.
Conclusion
Understanding what is pill 152 requires more than just reading the number on the tablet. The seemingly simple imprint is used on multiple, vastly different medications, from common pain relievers like Ibuprofen to specific antipsychotics and cholesterol drugs. Due to the wide variety of possibilities, relying solely on the number "152" for identification is dangerous. Always confirm your medication by its unique combination of imprint, shape, and color, or consult a healthcare professional to ensure you are taking the correct drug safely and effectively.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or treatment.
Optional Outbound Markdown Link
For more information on pill identification, visit the Drugs.com Pill Identifier: https://www.drugs.com/pill_identification.html.
