Understanding the Need for Pill Identification
Proper pill identification is a critical aspect of medication safety, especially for controlled substances like alprazolam. With multiple manufacturers producing generic versions of the drug, the physical appearance can vary significantly, making it easy to mistake one tablet for another. Knowing the specific identifiers for alprazolam 0.25 mg ensures you are taking the correct dose and type of medication prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Common Identifiers for Brand-Name Alprazolam (Xanax) 0.25 mg
While the market is dominated by generic alprazolam, the brand-name version, Xanax, also has a distinct identifier.
- Color: White
- Shape: Oval
- Imprint: "XANAX 0.25"
- Additional Detail: This oval, white pill is sometimes referred to as a "football" due to its shape.
Common Generic Alprazolam 0.25 mg Identifiers
Generic alprazolam tablets come from numerous manufacturers, each with its own imprint codes and slight variations in appearance. Here are some of the most common identifiers for the 0.25 mg strength:
Identification by Manufacturer and Imprint
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Manufacturer: Greenstone LLC
- Imprint: "G3719"
- Color: White
- Shape: Oval
- Additional Detail: Scored on the reverse side
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Manufacturer: Actavis (formerly Watson)
- Imprint: "027 R"
- Color: White
- Shape: Round
- Additional Detail: Has a bisect (score line) on the side with the imprint
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Manufacturer: PDRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. (via Northstar)
- Imprint: "0.25 N 126"
- Color: White
- Shape: Round
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Manufacturer: Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Imprint: "MYLAN 457"
- Color: White
- Shape: Round
- Note: This specific imprint may correspond to a different manufacturer in some databases. Always cross-reference with multiple sources.
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Manufacturer: Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Imprint: "N A 0.25"
- Color: White
- Shape: Oval
Comparing Different 0.25 mg Alprazolam Pills
To illustrate the differences, the following table summarizes common 0.25 mg alprazolam tablets by their appearance and manufacturer.
Manufacturer | Imprint | Color | Shape | Additional Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pfizer (Xanax) | XANAX 0.25 | White | Oval | Branded, often called a 'football' |
Greenstone LLC | G3719 | White | Oval | Scored on the reverse side |
Actavis | 027 R | White | Round | Bisect (score line) |
PDRX Pharm | 0.25 N 126 | White | Round | Imprinted code |
Sandoz Pharm | N A 0.25 | White | Oval | Imprinted code |
What to Do If You Have an Unidentified Pill
If you find a pill and are unsure of its identity, do not take it. Medications can be counterfeit, expired, or have been mixed up with other drugs, which can be extremely dangerous. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional, pharmacist, or use a reliable online pill identifier tool, such as those provided by trusted medical sources.
Crucial Safety Precautions with Alprazolam
Alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence. It is important to be aware of the following safety precautions:
- Potential for Dependence: Continued use can lead to physical dependence, and abrupt discontinuation can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
- Interactions: Avoid alcohol, grapefruit juice, and other CNS depressants, as they can cause serious side effects.
- Overdose Risk: Misuse or taking more than the prescribed dose can lead to an overdose. Overdose symptoms include extreme drowsiness, confusion, and loss of coordination.
Conclusion
Identifying your medication is a crucial step in responsible healthcare. The 0.25 mg alprazolam pill, whether the brand-name Xanax or a generic version, can be identified by specific markings, color, and shape. Generic versions from manufacturers like Greenstone, Actavis, and PDRX Pharm each have distinct imprints, such as "G3719," "027 R," and "0.25 N 126" respectively. Always verify your medication's identity using a reliable source and consult a pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions or concerns about an unidentified pill. For comprehensive information on alprazolam, including side effects and precautions, refer to official medical resources like MedlinePlus.