Why multiple drugs share the imprint '279'
The number '279' is not a unique identifier for a single medication. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all solid, oral prescription and over-the-counter medications have an imprint, which can be a combination of letters and numbers. However, a specific combination, like '279', might be used by different manufacturers for different drugs, or in combination with other distinguishing letters (like 'IG 279' or 'AMG 279'). Therefore, to correctly identify a medication, you must consider its full imprint, shape, color, and size. Confusing these different pills can have serious health consequences, from ineffective treatment to dangerous side effects.
Common medications with '279' imprints
1. Pink, Oval, Imprint '279'
This pill is a combination of Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan, a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
- Ingredients: Hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic) and Valsartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker).
- Mechanism: The combination works by helping blood vessels relax and expanding blood volume, which lowers blood pressure.
- Manufacturer: Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc..
2. Green, Round, Imprint '279'
This round, green pill is a combination of Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel, an inert (inactive) tablet used in some extended-cycle birth control regimens.
- Ingredients: Inert tablet in a regimen containing Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel.
- Purpose: These pills are designed to be taken on certain days of the menstrual cycle, though this specific pill contains no active ingredients and is simply a placebo.
- Manufacturer: Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc..
3. Yellow, Round, Imprint 'IG 279'
This tablet is Topiramate 50 mg, a prescription anticonvulsant used to prevent and control seizures and migraine headaches.
- Ingredients: Topiramate.
- Indications: Epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and migraine prevention.
- Manufacturer: InvaGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc..
4. Green & White Capsule, Imprint 'AMG 279'
This is an extended-release capsule of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine 15 mg, a central nervous system stimulant.
- Controlled Substance: Yes, this is a CSA Schedule 2 controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and dependence.
- Uses: Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
5. White, Round, Imprint 'I 279'
This is a prescription tablet containing Diclofenac Potassium 50 mg, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
- Purpose: Used to treat various types of pain, including back pain, ankylosing spondylitis, and chronic pain.
- Manufacturer: Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC.
6. Green, Round, Chewable, Imprint 'TCL 279'
This is an over-the-counter chewable tablet containing Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium Hydroxide.
- Class: Antacid.
- Use: Indigestion, heartburn, and upset stomach.
- Manufacturer: Time Cap Laboratories Inc..
Comparison of medications with '279' imprints
| Imprint | Color | Shape | Ingredients | Primary Use | Controlled? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 279 | Pink | Oval | Hydrochlorothiazide/Valsartan | High Blood Pressure | No |
| 279 | Green | Round | Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel (Inert) | Birth Control | No |
| IG 279 | Yellow | Round | Topiramate | Migraine/Epilepsy | No |
| AMG 279 | Green & White | Capsule | Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine | ADHD/Narcolepsy | Yes (Schedule 2) |
| I 279 | White | Round | Diclofenac Potassium | Pain/Inflammation | No |
| TCL 279 | Green | Round (Chewable) | Calcium Carbonate/Magnesium Hydroxide | Indigestion (Antacid) | No |
Safety precautions and professional consultation
Given the wide range of different medications associated with the '279' imprint, self-identifying a pill based on this number alone is extremely dangerous. The consequences of taking the wrong medication can be severe. For instance, taking a birth control placebo instead of a high blood pressure medication could have serious health repercussions. Conversely, accidentally taking a stimulant like Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine could result in dangerous heart-related side effects.
If you find an unidentifiable pill, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional, pharmacist, or use a reliable pill identification tool with a full description of the pill's features. Never take a medication you cannot definitively identify. When using a pill identification tool, be sure to provide all available details, including the full imprint code, shape, and color, for the most accurate results.
Remember to properly store medications to prevent mix-ups. Keeping prescriptions in their original, clearly labeled containers is the best practice to avoid confusion. If you are ever unsure, a pharmacist can help confirm the details of a prescription drug.
Conclusion
There is no single answer to what pill 279 is used for. This common imprint number is associated with a variety of medications, each with a different purpose and safety profile. Correct identification requires careful attention to the pill's complete physical characteristics, including shape, color, and any additional letters in the imprint. To avoid a serious health risk, never guess what a pill is. Always confirm its identity with a medical professional or trusted resource. The safest way to manage your medications is to keep them in their original, labeled containers and consult your pharmacist with any questions you may have. For reliable pill identification, visit a trusted database such as Drugs.com.
