Codeine is an opioid analgesic prescribed to manage mild to moderate pain and to suppress persistent cough. As a controlled substance, it carries a risk of dependence, and accurate identification is necessary for appropriate use. Recognizing the physical characteristics of a codeine pill is a fundamental safety measure for patients and caregivers. Identification is complicated because codeine is frequently manufactured by different companies and often combined with other active ingredients, leading to a variety of appearances. Understanding the visual markers and knowing how to verify a medication ensures proper dosage and prevents accidental misuse.
Forms of Pure Codeine
Pure codeine is typically available as a tablet containing either codeine phosphate or codeine sulfate. These stand-alone formulations are less common in general prescriptions than combination products. They are most frequently found in dosages of 15 milligrams (mg), 30 mg, and 60 mg, representing a progression in analgesic strength.
The tablets are generally small, round, and white or off-white in color across various manufacturers. They often have a biconvex shape, meaning they curve outward on both sides, which aids in swallowing. The 30 mg strength is the most frequently prescribed pure form for pain relief, while the 60 mg tablet is reserved for more severe pain or patients with a higher tolerance.
Each tablet is required to bear a unique imprint code that confirms its contents and manufacturer. This specific alphanumeric code links directly to the formulation and is the definitive marker distinguishing one manufacturer’s product from another.
Identification of Common Combination Products
Most people encounter codeine combined with a non-opioid pain reliever, which influences the pill’s appearance and strength notation. The most recognized combination is codeine paired with acetaminophen, often referred to by the former brand name Tylenol with Codeine. These products are categorized by number-based strengths (No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4), all containing a fixed amount of acetaminophen, usually 300 mg.
The No. 3 tablet (30 mg of codeine) and the No. 4 tablet (60 mg of codeine) are the most common strengths. Visually, these tablets are predominantly white and round, sometimes featuring a flat face with beveled edges. The imprint code must confirm the presence of both acetaminophen and codeine, often including the strength number itself, such as a “3” or “4.”
Codeine is also combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Codeine/Aspirin tablets frequently contain 325 mg of aspirin, with codeine strengths ranging from 15 mg to 60 mg. These pills are typically round and white, though the aspirin component can result in a slightly larger tablet.
The combination of codeine and ibuprofen is also widely available, especially in lower-strength formulations. A common non-prescription strength in some regions pairs 200 mg of ibuprofen with a lower dose, such as 12.8 mg of codeine. These tablets are often marketed under various brand names and may take on different colors or shapes, such as oblong or caplet-shaped, depending on the manufacturer.
Key Visual Markers and Verification Tools
Accurate identification hinges on recognizing specific visual markers, with the imprint code serving as the single most reliable identifier. The imprint code is the unique alphanumeric sequence stamped onto the tablet or capsule surface by the manufacturer. This code links the physical pill directly to its active ingredients, dosage, and producer.
Other visual characteristics, like the pill’s color and shape (round, oval, or capsule), are secondary markers. Color can vary widely based on inert dyes used in manufacturing, and shape is standardized across many medications. Scoring, a line etched into the surface, indicates where the tablet can be broken for a smaller dose, but it is not a unique identifier.
To formally verify a pill, authoritative online tools are the most dependable resource. Reputable websites, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) National Drug Code (NDC) Directory or certified pill identifier databases, allow users to cross-reference visual data. The verification process involves entering the pill’s imprint code, followed by its color and shape, into the search fields.
The imprint code alone usually provides the most precise result, instantly confirming the drug name, strength, and manufacturer. This digital check is the definitive step, minimizing the risk of misidentification, which is important for controlled substances like codeine.
Importance of Accurate Identification
Accurate identification of any medication containing codeine is fundamental to patient safety. Precise knowledge of the medication’s composition is necessary to prevent accidental overdose or harmful drug interactions. This is especially true for combination products, where the non-opioid component poses a separate risk.
Accidental double-dosing of acetaminophen, for instance, can occur if a person unknowingly takes multiple combination pills from different sources. Acetaminophen has a strict maximum daily limit, and exceeding this limit can lead to severe liver damage. Knowing the exact codeine and co-ingredient dosage prevents this dangerous mistake.
Proper identification also has implications for legal compliance and safe storage of the medication. As a prescription-only, controlled substance, codeine must be stored securely and used only by the individual for whom it was prescribed. Verifying the pill ensures that only authorized medication is in possession, adhering to both medical and legal standards for controlled substances.