Zolpidem, widely known by its brand name Ambien, is a sedative-hypnotic medication primarily prescribed for the short-term management of insomnia. As a medication with potential for abuse, zolpidem is designated as a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Due to the variety of dosage forms and numerous generic manufacturers, visually identifying a zolpidem pill can be complex. The appearance of the tablet, including its color, shape, and imprint codes, is a direct indicator of its strength and functional formulation.
Understanding Zolpidem Formulations
The physical appearance of a zolpidem pill is determined by how the medication is intended to work within the body. Different formulations are engineered to release the drug at varying rates, necessitating distinct visual characteristics to prevent mix-ups by patients. The three main types are Immediate-Release (IR), Extended-Release (ER), and sublingual forms, each designed to address a different aspect of sleep difficulty.
Immediate-release tablets dissolve quickly in the stomach, leading to a rapid rise in zolpidem concentration. This promotes sleep onset and is effective for individuals who have trouble falling asleep initially. Conversely, the extended-release version is designed with a staggered-release mechanism for prolonged action.
The ER tablets often feature a bilayer structure: one layer releases the drug immediately for sleep onset, and the second layer dissolves slowly to maintain therapeutic levels throughout the night. Sublingual tablets dissolve under the tongue, offering the fastest absorption. They are intended for specialized use, such as returning to sleep after a middle-of-the-night awakening.
Visual Characteristics of Immediate-Release Tablets
Immediate-release (IR) tablets are the most commonly encountered form of zolpidem, available in 5 milligrams (mg) and 10 mg strengths. The 5 mg brand-name Ambien is typically a pink, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet, with the imprint “AMB 5” on one side and a four-digit code, such as “5401,” on the reverse side.
The 10 mg strength of brand-name Ambien is visually distinct, appearing as a white, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet. This tablet carries the imprint “AMB 10” on one face and a different four-digit code, like “5421,” on the opposite side. Brand-name Ambien IR tablets are generally not scored, meaning they are not intended to be accurately broken in half.
Generic zolpidem IR tablets share the same dosage strengths but can vary significantly in appearance between manufacturers. These generics are often oval, round, or oblong and come in colors such as white, peach, or yellow. The most reliable identifier for any IR tablet, regardless of the manufacturer, is the imprint code, which must be matched precisely with an official drug database to confirm the drug and its dosage.
Identifying Extended-Release and Sublingual Forms
The extended-release (ER) version, known as Ambien CR, is physically distinct due to its specialized, controlled-release design. These tablets are typically available in 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg strengths, which are different from the IR dosages. The 6.25 mg ER tablet is generally pink and round, while the 12.5 mg ER tablet is often blue and round.
The bilayer structure contributes to the pill’s slightly thicker, more robust appearance compared to IR tablets. The imprints on the ER tablets follow a different pattern, such as “E61” for the pink 6.25 mg dosage and “E62” for the blue 12.5 mg dosage in one common generic version. These unique colors and strengths help prevent confusion with the standard IR tablets.
Sublingual zolpidem formulations, such as Edluar and Intermezzo, are visually different from standard oral tablets. They are designed to be placed under the tongue and dissolve rapidly, requiring them to be very small and thin.
Intermezzo, a low-dose sublingual used for middle-of-the-night awakening, comes in 1.75 mg and 3.5 mg doses and is often yellow. Their extremely small size and quick-dissolving nature make them easily recognizable, and they are frequently packaged in specialized single-dose blister packs.
Generic Variations and Safe Identification Practices
The appearance of generic zolpidem tartrate tablets can exhibit a wide range of colors, shapes, and imprints because different pharmaceutical companies use distinct inactive ingredients. Manufacturers choose various dyes, binders, and coatings, meaning a 10 mg generic from one company might be a white round tablet, while another’s might be yellow and oblong. This variation confirms that color and shape alone are insufficient for definitive identification.
The definitive method for identifying any pill is the imprint code, which is a unique combination of letters and numbers stamped onto the surface by the manufacturer. If the imprint, color, and shape do not align with the expected characteristics, the pill should not be ingested.
Patients should utilize official online pill identifier tools, inputting the exact imprint code, color, and shape to confirm the drug’s identity. Always store zolpidem in its original, properly labeled container and never take a pill that is not clearly identified.