2006-10-27 15:44:54 · 6 answers · asked by bj 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
There are actually resources on the web now that allow you to look up drug information based on the identifying marks on the pill itself. For example, I have a tablet in front of me that says "AMB 10" on one side and "5421" on the other side. (I already know it's Ambien 10mg, but anyway...) So I do a Yahoo or Google search for "AMB 10" "5421" and see what comes up. The entire first page of results on Yahoo correctly identified the pill.
Some generic drugs may be hard to find that way though. The best - and easiest - thing to do is call a pharmacy, ask to speak to the pharmacist, and describe the pill to him/her. Color, shape and any text or numbers on it. Most pharmacies have a database where they can put in that info and quickly find out the drug, strength and manufacturer of the pill.
By the way, a PDR is a good resource, but it doesn't even come close to including all of the drugs out there, especially with all the different companies that manufacture generic drugs. PDRs primarily cover brand name drugs and aren't usually very helpful in identifying generics.
2006-10-27 23:29:55 · answer #1 · answered by Jen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm, you mean you have a pill but no bottle or anything indicating what kind of medication it is?
Unless you found it in your kids' backpack or something and you're trying to figure out what he's on, throw it and forget about it. You shouldn't be messing with pills that aren't yours and you don't know anything about.
If you do need to figure it out, though, the best bet is to take it to a pharmacist and ask them to identify it for you. You can also go to the medical section of your local bookstore and look at the drug guides, like PDR (a regular B&N should have some, but you can go to a medical school bookstore if you need to). They will have visual identification guides for common pills.
2006-10-27 15:50:58 · answer #2 · answered by EQ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Read the prescription bottle.
2. Read the enclosed leaflet and detailed description of the drug.
3. You can ask any pharmacist (who is a Drug expert).
4. Pharmacopoea (USP or BP) is another best source of pres. drugs information.
5. Computer is the easisiest source ....just type whatever u want to know in the google bar and within no time u will find all related liks and sources.
2006-10-27 17:47:00 · answer #3 · answered by sam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can think of three ways, first open your PDR and check the manufactures marks for each of their medications. A PDR is a physician desk reference to pharmacology. Since I doubt you have one you could ask the local pharmacist. But if you are a drug addict and do not want to advertise you could try PDR on the web browser find the above phrase for that and then see if the post pictures of the on the web.
2006-10-27 17:19:39 · answer #4 · answered by blindsided 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also suggest the PDR, or Physician's Drug Reference, which actually has little photos of all kinds of pills...it's about a 4 inch thick book! It updates every year, I believe...make sure you get a recent copy!
Good luck!
2006-10-27 15:55:28 · answer #5 · answered by miranywho 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just type in the name of the drug u need to know about with a question mark....u will get sites.
2006-10-27 15:46:30 · answer #6 · answered by kay w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋