What pill is this 852? Identifying medications with similar imprints

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. FDA, all prescription and over-the-counter pills must have unique identification markings to help prevent medication errors. For anyone wondering, "What pill is this 852?" it's crucial to know that this numeric imprint alone is not enough for identification, as it is associated with several different medications, each with distinct additional features.

Quick Summary

The numeric imprint '852' is found on multiple drugs, necessitating the use of additional identifiers like shape, color, and other markings for correct classification. Key examples include Spironolactone, an anti-hypertensive diuretic, and Metronidazole, an antibiotic, both of which have specific imprints that include '852'. Proper identification is critical to ensure patient safety and avoid dangerous medication mix-ups.

Key Points

Imprint is not enough: The numbers "852" alone are insufficient for identifying a pill; additional features like shape and color are required.
Spironolactone 25 mg: A white, round pill with 'O 852' is likely Spironolactone, a diuretic for heart failure and high blood pressure.
Metronidazole 500 mg: A white, oval pill with '93 93 852' is the antibiotic Metronidazole, used for bacterial and parasitic infections.
Other possibilities: Other drugs, such as Minocycline and Sprycel, may also feature '852' as part of a more complex imprint.
Never self-diagnose: It is extremely dangerous to take an unknown pill. Always consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist for definitive identification.
Proper disposal: If you find an unidentified or expired pill, dispose of it safely according to local guidelines to prevent accidental ingestion.

Pill imprints, a combination of letters and numbers stamped onto a tablet or capsule, are a fundamental tool for medication identification. They serve as a quick reference, allowing patients and healthcare providers to distinguish one drug from another. However, as the query "What pill is this 852?" illustrates, using only a partial or numeric imprint can lead to dangerous assumptions, as several medications share this code in their full identification. This guide breaks down the specific pills associated with the '852' imprint, emphasizing the importance of considering all identifying factors before reaching a conclusion.

Possible matches for the '852' imprint

White, Round 'O 852' Pill: Spironolactone 25 mg

One of the most common matches for an '852' imprint is Spironolactone 25 mg. This version is described as a round, white to off-white, convex-coated tablet with '852' debossed on one side and an 'O' on the other. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and aldosterone antagonist, meaning it helps the body eliminate excess fluid without causing significant potassium loss.

Common Uses:

Treating heart failure
Managing high blood pressure (hypertension)
Treating fluid retention (edema) caused by liver cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome
Addressing conditions with excess aldosterone production (hyperaldosteronism)
Prescribed off-label for conditions like hirsutism (excess facial hair in women) and acne.

White, Oval '93 93 852' Pill: Metronidazole 500 mg

Another significant match is the antibiotic Metronidazole 500 mg, which appears as a white, oval tablet with the imprint '93 93 852'. This is a potent medication used to treat a wide range of bacterial and parasitic infections. It is a prescription-only drug and is not a controlled substance.

Common Uses:

Treating bacterial infections in various parts of the body
Treating parasitic infections like amebiasis and giardiasis
Commonly used to treat bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis

Other '852' Imprints

Beyond the most common examples, other medications may incorporate '852' into their unique identifiers:

Gray Capsule/Oblong '852 852': This has been identified as Minocycline Hydrochloride 75 mg, a tetracycline antibiotic.
White Oval 'BMS 100 852': This corresponds to Sprycel (dasatinib) 100 mg, a medication for certain types of leukemia.
Other Combinations: Different manufacturers and doses may use '852' as part of a larger string of characters, emphasizing why a full, unambiguous imprint is essential.

The critical importance of professional identification

The most important takeaway is to never take a pill based solely on a vague or incomplete description. Self-diagnosis and relying on incomplete information from search results are extremely dangerous. The side effects and interactions of prescription medications can be severe, and taking the wrong drug can lead to serious health consequences. If you have found an unidentified pill, follow these steps:

Do not consume the pill. Dispose of it properly to prevent accidental ingestion.
Examine the pill carefully. Note all markings, including numbers and letters, as well as the exact color and shape. Use a reference like Drugs.com's Pill Identifier for an initial check, but do not rely on it as definitive proof.
Consult a healthcare professional. A pharmacist or doctor can provide accurate identification and necessary guidance.

Comparing common '852' associated pills


Feature	O 852 (Spironolactone 25 mg)	93 93 852 (Metronidazole 500 mg)
Appearance	White to off-white, round, convex, coated tablet.	White, oval/elliptical tablet.
Dosage Form	Tablet.	Tablet.
Mechanism	Potassium-sparing diuretic and aldosterone antagonist.	Amebicide and miscellaneous antibiotic.
Therapeutic Class	Diuretic, Antihypertensive.	Antibiotic.
Uses	Heart failure, high blood pressure, fluid retention.	Bacterial and parasitic infections.
Prescription Status	Prescription Only.	Prescription Only.

Conclusion: Do not gamble with your health

The simple imprint "852" is a prime example of why visual identification requires precise details. It is not tied to a single medication but is part of the identifying codes for several very different drugs, including the diuretic Spironolactone and the antibiotic Metronidazole. Taking a pill with the wrong purpose can lead to adverse effects, dangerous drug interactions, or a failure to treat the underlying condition effectively. The safest course of action is always to consult a medical professional for proper identification. For preliminary research, use a reliable pill identifier tool and make sure to match every single detail—shape, color, and all markings—to find the correct information. Source: Drugs.com Pill Identifier

Frequently Asked Questions

The small, round, white pill with the imprint 'O 852' is Spironolactone 25 mg, a prescription medication used as a diuretic for heart conditions and fluid retention.

The white, oval pill imprinted with '93 93 852' is Metronidazole 500 mg, a prescription antibiotic used to treat various bacterial and parasitic infections.

You cannot identify a pill with just the number 852 because multiple medications use this numeric code. For correct identification, you need to know the pill's color, shape, and all other alphanumeric markings.

Taking the wrong pill can lead to serious health complications, including dangerous drug interactions, allergic reactions, or overdose. If you suspect you have taken the wrong medication, contact a healthcare professional or poison control center immediately.

No, Metronidazole 500 mg is an antibiotic and is not classified as a controlled substance.

Spironolactone is sometimes prescribed off-label by doctors to treat hormonal acne, particularly in women. Its use for acne is not officially FDA-approved, and you should not take it for this purpose without a doctor's guidance.

If you find an unidentified pill, do not take it. You should safely dispose of it at a designated medication take-back site or a pharmacy to prevent accidental ingestion.