Lorazepam, commonly known by its brand name Ativan, is a medication prescribed for anxiety disorders. As a generic drug, lorazepam is manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies, leading to differences in its physical appearance. Understanding these typical appearances can help individuals identify their medication.
Common Appearances by Dosage
Generic lorazepam tablets come in several strengths, each with particular physical characteristics. For instance, 0.5 mg lorazepam tablets are white and round. These pills may have imprints such as “EP 904,” “321,” or “U32” on one side, sometimes with a scoring line. Another common imprint for a 0.5 mg tablet is “TV 0.5 5R.”
One mg lorazepam tablets are also white and round. These might feature imprints like “EP 905 1,” “U33,” or “241 1 WATSON,” or “TV 1 1 R.” While white is a common color, 1 mg tablets can also appear in other colors, including blue, green, or violet/purple, depending on the manufacturer.
Two mg lorazepam tablets are white and round. Common imprints for this strength include “EP 906 2” or “TV 2 2 R.” While these descriptions cover common appearances, variations exist due to different manufacturers.
Why Generic Medications Vary in Appearance
Generic drugs, while containing the same active ingredient as their brand-name counterparts, differ in appearance. This variation stems from several factors related to manufacturing and regulation. United States trademark laws do not permit generic drugs to look exactly like the brand-name version.
Different manufacturers use unique combinations of inactive ingredients, such as binders, fillers, and dyes. These inactive components can influence the pill’s color, shape, and presentation. For example, a brand-name pill might have a specific coating or taste, while its generic version might be chalky or have a different flavor.
Each manufacturer uses distinct molds and imprints for their tablets. These unique markings, which include numbers or letters, help identify the manufacturer and the drug’s strength. These variations in appearance are normal and do not affect the medication’s efficacy or safety, as generic drugs are rigorously tested to ensure they are bioequivalent to the brand-name version.
Verifying Your Medication
Confirming the identity of your medication is a safety practice. If you have questions about a pill’s appearance, a pharmacist is a reliable resource. They can compare the pill to their records and provide accurate information about its identity.
Reputable drug identification websites can also be helpful tools. These online databases allow you to input details such as the pill’s imprint code, color, and shape to determine the medication. However, these online tools should be used as an initial reference, not a definitive confirmation.
Checking the prescription label on your medication bottle is another straightforward method, as it includes a description of the pill’s expected appearance. It is advisable to keep medications in their original containers to avoid confusion. If you are unsure about a pill’s identity, it is safest not to take it and to seek professional advice.