What pill has AI on one side and a 6 on the other?: Clearing Up Confusion

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nearly all solid prescription and over-the-counter medications are required to have a unique imprint code for identification. For those searching for a pill with the imprint 'AI on one side and a 6 on the other,' it is crucial to understand that no such medication exists in the FDA's database. The query often stems from a common misreading of the imprint 'I 6', which corresponds to several approved drugs.

Quick Summary

No legitimate pill exists with the imprint 'AI' and '6'; this is likely a misinterpretation of the 'I 6' marking found on common medications like Losartan and Ibuprofen. Proper pill identification is critical for safety due to the risks of misidentification and the prevalence of counterfeit drugs.

Key Points

Misreading an imprint is common: The imprint 'AI 6' is likely a misinterpretation of 'I 6', as the letters can be visually confusing on a small surface.
No FDA-approved pill has the 'AI 6' imprint: Reliable medication databases confirm that no legitimate drug is marked with 'AI' and '6' on either side.
Common 'I 6' pills include Ibuprofen and Losartan: Medications like Ibuprofen 400 mg/600 mg and Losartan Potassium 50 mg are often marked with 'I 6' and are white and oval.
Correct identification requires more than just the imprint: When using a pill identifier, always include additional details like color and shape to narrow down your results accurately.
Never consume an unidentified pill: Pills without clear identification should be disposed of safely, as they could be counterfeit, expired, or contain unknown and potentially dangerous substances.
Counterfeit drugs are a serious risk: Illegally manufactured pills may contain lethal amounts of fentanyl or other illicit substances, making accurate identification critical for survival.
AI contributes to medical misinformation: Scammers use AI to create convincing fake promotions for fraudulent medical products, further complicating the search for reliable health information.

The Case of the Misread Imprint: AI vs. I

Many people encounter an unknown pill and turn to the internet for answers, often misreading an imprint code in the process. The search for a pill marked 'AI' and '6' is a perfect example of this confusion, where the uppercase letter 'I' is mistaken for the letters 'A' and 'I'. These slight visual discrepancies, especially on small, embossed imprints, can lead to a fruitless search using the wrong keywords. Fortunately, reliable pill identification resources, like those from Drugs.com and WebMD, contain visual references to help clarify such mistakes.

The imprint code system is a vital safety measure. The FDA mandates that nearly all oral medications carry a unique code, along with distinct characteristics like shape and color, to ensure quick and accurate identification. This is essential for preventing medication errors, especially in emergency situations or when sorting mixed pills.

Common Medications with the 'I 6' Imprint

While a pill with 'AI' and '6' does not exist, several common medications have the imprint 'I 6' and may match the appearance of the pill in question. The specific characteristics like color, shape, and scoring are critical for distinguishing between them. Some of the most frequently identified drugs with this imprint include:

Losartan Potassium 50 mg: A medication used to treat high blood pressure. It is typically a white, oval, film-coated tablet with a score line.
Ibuprofen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation. Both 400 mg and 600 mg strengths have been identified with 'I 6' imprints, with variations in shape and size.
Amitriptyline Hydrochloride 150 mg: An antidepressant that may appear as a brownish, capsule-shaped pill with the imprint 'I6'.

Identification Table for Common 'I 6' Pills

To aid in proper identification, here is a comparison of some medications that feature the 'I 6' imprint:


Medication	Imprint	Strength	Color	Shape	Use	Source
Losartan Potassium	I 6	50 mg	White	Oval	High Blood Pressure
Ibuprofen	I 6	400 mg	White	Oval	Pain, Inflammation
Ibuprofen	6 I	600 mg	White	Capsule/Oblong	Pain, Inflammation
Amitriptyline HCl	I6	150 mg	Brown	Capsule/Oblong	Antidepressant

How to Safely Identify an Unknown Pill

Never assume you know what a pill is, especially if the imprint is unusual or unclear. Instead, follow these steps to ensure your safety:

Use a Reputable Pill Identifier Tool: Use the imprint code along with the pill's color and shape in reliable online databases like the Drugs.com Pill Identification Wizard or the WebMD Pill Identifier.
Consult a Pharmacist: Your pharmacist is a trained expert who can help you identify a pill based on its characteristics and access your medication records for verification.
Call Your Doctor: Your physician can confirm if they prescribed the medication, reducing the risk of taking an unprescribed or incorrect dose.
Do Not Take Unidentified Pills: Never take a pill unless you are certain of its identity. A pill without an imprint could be a vitamin, supplement, illegal drug, or foreign medication, which are not included in FDA databases. If you find pills you cannot identify, dispose of them safely at a community drug take-back site. Find more information on this from the DEA website.

The Dangers of Unknown Pills and Medical Misinformation

Searching for unknown pills online can be risky. The rise of AI-generated content has unfortunately fueled the spread of medical misinformation and scams. Scammers use AI to impersonate doctors or create fake promotions for unproven or dangerous health products. Furthermore, a significant risk comes from counterfeit pills sold illegally online or through social media. These fakes are often designed to look like legitimate prescription drugs but may contain lethal doses of fentanyl or other dangerous substances. This makes accurate identification not just a matter of convenience, but a matter of life or death.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety Over Assumptions

The query regarding what pill has AI on one side and a 6 on the other highlights a common and potentially dangerous misconception. The imprint is most likely a misreading of 'I 6', a mark found on several FDA-approved medications. Rather than relying on assumptions or questionable online sources, using trusted pill identifier tools and consulting a healthcare professional are the safest and most reliable ways to identify an unknown medication. Given the increasing threat of counterfeit drugs and AI-driven misinformation, taking the time for proper verification is a crucial step in protecting your health.

Here are some authoritative sources to assist with proper pill identification: Pill Identification Wizard from Drugs.com

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no legitimate, FDA-approved pill with the exact imprint 'AI' on one side and '6' on the other. This is likely a misreading of the imprint 'I 6'.

The most common confusion is with the imprint 'I 6', which is found on several medications, including Ibuprofen (400 mg or 600 mg) and Losartan Potassium (50 mg).

While both may be white and oval, they treat different conditions. Losartan is for high blood pressure, while Ibuprofen is a pain reliever. Comparing the shape and size using an online pill identifier is key.

Use a reputable online pill identifier tool from a trusted source like Drugs.com or WebMD. Enter the imprint code, color, and shape. If you are unsure, consult a pharmacist or physician.

Different manufacturers producing the same generic drug may use their own unique imprint codes. Additionally, a single manufacturer may use different imprints for different dosages of the same medication.

Most FDA-approved drugs have an imprint code. A pill without one may be a foreign medication, a supplement, or an illegal substance. It is not safe to take and should be disposed of properly.

Misidentifying a pill can lead to serious health consequences, including taking the wrong medication or dose. With the rise of counterfeit drugs and AI-driven misinformation, there is also the risk of consuming a dangerous, illicit substance.