Understanding Pill Imprints
Pill imprints are codes pressed into the surface of tablets and capsules during manufacturing. This alphanumeric code, along with the pill's size, shape, and color, serves as a crucial tool for identifying prescription and over-the-counter medications. The 'IG' imprint, specifically, belongs to the manufacturer InvaGen Pharmaceuticals. Due to this, seeing 'IG' on its own is not enough to determine a pill's function. The full code is essential for proper identification, as different drugs made by the same company will have distinct imprints.
Common Medications with an 'IG' Imprint
Many medications are produced by InvaGen, each with a unique imprint combination. Here are some of the most frequently searched examples and their uses.
IG 250: Escitalopram Oxalate
The white, round, 7mm pill with the imprint IG 250 is Escitalopram Oxalate 10 mg.
- Class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
- Used for: Treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
IG 225: Gemfibrozil
Identified as a white, oval, 19mm pill, the IG 225 imprint corresponds to Gemfibrozil 600 mg.
- Class: Fibric acid derivative.
- Used for: Lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
IG 302: Alfuzosin Hydrochloride
This white, round, 9mm tablet with the imprint IG 302 is Alfuzosin Hydrochloride Extended-Release 10 mg.
- Class: Alpha blocker.
- Used for: Treating the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
IG 412: Finasteride
A blue, round, 10mm pill marked with IG 412 is Finasteride 5 mg.
- Class: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor.
- Used for: Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
IG 283: Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride
When you see the imprint IG 283 on a yellow, round pill, you are looking at Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg.
- Class: Skeletal muscle relaxant.
- Used for: Relieving muscle spasms and associated pain.
IG 340: Naproxen
The yellow, round pill imprinted with IG 340 is Naproxen 250 mg.
- Class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
- Used for: Reducing pain and inflammation associated with conditions like back pain, bursitis, and muscle pain.
IG 320: Benztropine Mesylate
This small, white, round pill with the imprint IG 320 is Benztropine Mesylate 2 mg.
- Class: Anticholinergic antiparkinson agent.
- Used for: Treating symptoms related to Parkinson's disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal disorders.
Comparison of Common IG Pills
| Imprint | Drug Name | Dosage | Color | Shape | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG 250 | Escitalopram Oxalate | 10 mg | White | Round | Anxiety, Depression |
| IG 225 | Gemfibrozil | 600 mg | White | Oval | High Cholesterol, Triglycerides |
| IG 302 | Alfuzosin HCl ER | 10 mg | White | Round | Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia |
| IG 412 | Finasteride | 5 mg | Blue | Round | BPH, Androgenetic Alopecia |
| IG 283 | Cyclobenzaprine HCl | 10 mg | Yellow | Round | Muscle Spasm |
| IG 340 | Naproxen | 250 mg | Yellow | Round | Pain, Inflammation |
How to Safely Identify an Unknown Pill
If you find a pill and need to identify it, follow these steps to ensure accuracy and safety:
- Use the Imprint Code: Look for alphanumeric codes on the pill's surface. A searchable database can provide information for the full imprint, not just part of it like 'IG'.
- Note the Physical Characteristics: Write down the pill's exact color, shape, and any other unique markings. This will help narrow down the search.
- Check Reliable Sources: Use a reputable online pill identifier tool, such as those provided by Drugs.com or RxList.
- Consult a Professional: The safest option is to take the pill to a pharmacist or doctor. They have access to comprehensive drug information and can provide a definitive identification.
- Avoid Assumption: Never assume a pill's function based solely on its color or a partial imprint. Inaccurate self-identification can lead to serious health risks.
Conclusion
The imprint IG is associated with InvaGen Pharmaceuticals, a generic drug manufacturer. Because this mark is present on many different medications, it is not a standalone identifier. To accurately determine a pill's use, you must consider its full imprint, color, shape, and size. Using a reliable online pill identifier or consulting a pharmacist is the safest way to find out what a pill is for. Under no circumstances should you take a medication unless you are absolutely certain of its purpose and have been prescribed it by a healthcare provider.
For more information on pill identification and safe medication practices, visit the Drugs.com Pill Identifier tool. https://www.drugs.com/pill_identification.html
