What is the pill P75 used for?: A Comprehensive Guide to Pill Identification

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

The imprint 'P75' does not uniquely identify a single medication; instead, it can correspond to several different pills, each with a distinct color, shape, and medical purpose. Identifying your pill by its full description is critical to understanding what the pill P75 is used for and taking it safely.

Quick Summary

The imprint P75 can identify different medications, including the anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac, the antacid Ranitidine, and the urinary pain reliever Phenazopyridine. Proper identification relies on matching the pill's color and shape, as each serves a distinct medical purpose.

Key Points

Imprint Not Unique: The imprint 'P75' can refer to different medications, depending on the pill's color and shape, and is not a drug name itself.
Multiple Possibilities: A brown, round 'P 75' is likely Diclofenac (NSAID for pain); a pink, round 'P 75' was Ranitidine (antacid, now recalled); and a brown, round 'P75' is Phenazopyridine (urinary pain reliever).
Consider All Features: For accurate identification, it's crucial to match the imprint with the pill's color and shape, not just the code alone.
Consult a Professional: If unsure, the safest approach is to consult a pharmacist or doctor for confirmation, rather than attempting to self-identify.
Diclofenac Risks: The NSAID Diclofenac, often marked with P75, carries serious risks of heart attack, stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Phenazopyridine Effect: The urinary analgesic Phenazopyridine, also sometimes marked with P75, can cause orange-red urine discoloration.

Understanding the P75 Pill Imprint

Many people are confused when they find a pill with an imprint like 'P75' and wonder what it is used for. The imprint 'P75' is not the brand name or generic name of a medication but a unique marking used by a manufacturer to identify a specific drug and its dosage. Because different manufacturers use their own unique imprint codes, a single alphanumeric code can sometimes apply to several different drugs. Proper identification requires looking at not only the imprint but also the pill's color and shape.

For a pill with a 'P75' imprint, there are three common possibilities: Diclofenac Sodium Delayed Release 75 mg, Ranitidine Hydrochloride 75 mg, or Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride 97.5 mg. Each of these drugs belongs to a different class of medication and is used for a different purpose.

Diclofenac Sodium Delayed Release 75 mg

Appearance: A brown, round pill, 10mm in size, with the imprint 'P 75'.

Uses: This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribed to treat mild-to-moderate pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as:

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis (a form of arthritis affecting the spine)
General chronic pain, including back pain
Menstrual cramps

Mechanism of action: As an NSAID, diclofenac works by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins—substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. By inhibiting these enzymes, diclofenac reduces swelling, pain, and stiffness.

Important warnings: Diclofenac carries a boxed warning due to the potential risk of serious side effects, including heart attack, stroke, and serious gastrointestinal bleeding. These risks can be higher with long-term use or in individuals with pre-existing heart or stomach conditions.

Ranitidine Hydrochloride 75 mg

Appearance: A pink, round pill, 7mm in size, with the imprint 'P 75'.

Uses: Ranitidine is a type of medication known as an H2 antagonist. It is primarily used to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach, treating conditions like:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Erosive esophagitis
Duodenal and gastric ulcers
Heartburn and indigestion

Mechanism of action: Ranitidine works by blocking histamine-2 receptors in the stomach's parietal cells. Histamine normally signals these cells to produce stomach acid, so by blocking the signal, Ranitidine reduces acid secretion.

Note: In recent years, ranitidine products were recalled due to potential contamination concerns. If you possess this pill, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride 97.5 mg

Appearance: A brown, round pill, 7mm in size, with the imprint 'P75'.

Uses: Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic used to relieve symptoms associated with lower urinary tract infections and irritation, such as:

Painful urination (dysuria)
Burning
Urgency
Frequent urination

Mechanism of action: Phenazopyridine works by acting as a local anesthetic on the urinary tract lining, soothing the pain and discomfort caused by irritation. It does not treat the underlying infection itself but provides symptomatic relief.

Important side effect: One of the most notable side effects of phenazopyridine is that it can turn urine a reddish-orange color. This is a harmless side effect, but it can stain clothing and contact lenses.

Comparison of Medications with P75 Imprints


Feature	Diclofenac Sodium (Brown, 10mm)	Ranitidine Hydrochloride (Pink, 7mm)	Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride (Brown, 7mm)
Drug Class	Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)	H2 Antagonist	Urinary Tract Analgesic
Primary Use	Relieves pain and inflammation from arthritis, migraines, and cramps	Reduces stomach acid for GERD and ulcers	Soothes pain and irritation of the urinary tract
Key Mechanism	Inhibits COX enzymes to reduce prostaglandins	Blocks histamine-2 receptors to reduce stomach acid	Provides local anesthetic effect on the urinary tract
Availability	Prescription only	Recalled from the market; consult a doctor	Prescription and some OTC options
Notable Side Effect	Gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular risk	Consult doctor due to recalls	Orange-red discoloration of urine

How to Safely Identify Your Medication

Do not rely solely on the imprint code: Always consider the pill's color, shape, and size in conjunction with the imprint code. Using a reliable pill identifier tool online, like those offered by drugs.com or medicine.com, can help cross-reference this information.
Use a pill identifier tool: If you are unsure, search reputable online drug databases by entering the full description of the pill (e.g., “P75 brown round”).
Consult a healthcare professional: If you have any doubts, the safest course of action is to contact your pharmacist or doctor. They can help you identify the medication based on your prescription history and the visual characteristics.
Check the prescription bottle: Always check the label on your prescription bottle. It will have the name of the drug, the dosage, and the prescribing information. This is the most reliable way to confirm what medication you have.
Never take an unidentified pill: If you find a pill and cannot definitively identify it, do not take it. Dispose of it properly to prevent accidental ingestion by yourself or others.

Conclusion

Determining what the pill P75 is used for is not a straightforward task, as the imprint is not unique to a single drug. The ultimate use of the medication depends on its specific color and shape, pointing to different active ingredients like Diclofenac, Ranitidine, or Phenazopyridine. These medications treat conditions as varied as arthritis, GERD, and urinary pain, respectively. To ensure safety and accuracy, always use a comprehensive pill identification process that considers all visual features and, when in doubt, consult a healthcare professional. Relying on a pill's imprint alone can lead to dangerous mix-ups, emphasizing the importance of careful and correct identification. For the most up-to-date and reliable information on a prescription medication, always refer to a trusted source like the Drugs.com database.

Frequently Asked Questions

The imprint 'P75' is a manufacturer's code, not a universal drug identifier. Different pharmaceutical companies can use similar markings for different drugs. To accurately identify the medication, it is necessary to consider the pill's color and shape alongside the imprint.

If the pill is a brown, round 10mm tablet with the imprint 'P 75', it is Diclofenac Sodium Delayed Release 75 mg, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

A pink, round 7mm pill with the imprint 'P 75' was Ranitidine Hydrochloride 75 mg, an H2 antagonist used to reduce stomach acid and treat conditions like GERD and ulcers. However, ranitidine products were recalled and are no longer available in the US.

If your pill is a brown, round 7mm tablet with the imprint 'P75', it is Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride 97.5 mg. This is a urinary tract analgesic used for the relief of pain, burning, and urgency caused by urinary tract irritation.

The spacing can sometimes indicate different manufacturers or drug products. For instance, 'P 75' (with a space) can denote Diclofenac or Ranitidine, while 'P75' (no space) is associated with Phenazopyridine. However, the most reliable differentiator is the pill's color and shape.

No, it is highly unsafe to take any unidentified medication. Because 'P75' can be one of several different drugs with varying effects and risks, taking the wrong one could be harmful or ineffective. Always verify the pill with a healthcare professional.

First, use a reliable pill identifier tool online, noting its color and shape. If you have a prescription bottle, check the label. If you are still unsure or the pill belongs to someone else, do not take it. Contact a pharmacist or doctor for positive identification before taking any action.