Mirtazapine is the generic name for a medication used as an antidepressant. It functions by affecting certain chemical messengers in the brain to help improve mood. Knowing its visual attributes is important for correct identification and safe use. This guide details the physical characteristics of mirtazapine to help distinguish its various forms and strengths.
Physical Forms and General Appearance
Mirtazapine is generally available in two main formats: film-coated tablets and orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs). The standard film-coated tablets are designed to be swallowed whole, often featuring a smooth, glossy exterior. These tablets typically come in an oblong, oval, or round shape.
Many film-coated tablets include a score line, or bisect, across one side, which indicates the tablet can be safely broken in half to administer a smaller dose. Orally disintegrating tablets, such as the branded Remeron SolTab, have a different texture, designed to rapidly dissolve on the tongue without water. ODTs are often round and white, and they do not feature a score line, as they should not be split.
Visual Differences by Dosage Strength
The primary way manufacturers distinguish mirtazapine dosage strengths is through a combination of unique colors and specific imprint codes. These visual markers help prevent medication errors, even though the active ingredient remains the same. The following characteristics are commonly associated with the four standard dosage strengths, though variations exist among generic manufacturers.
The lowest strength, 7.5 mg, is frequently a yellow or orange tablet, often circular with a single identifying mark like a letter or number. The 15 mg tablet is most consistently yellow or pale yellow and often bears an imprint such as “APO MI 15” or a three-digit number.
The middle dose, 30 mg, is typically a darker color, commonly appearing as light pink, reddish-brown, or beige. The highest standard strength, 45 mg, is almost always white or off-white and may be oval or capsule-shaped. Identifying codes for the 45 mg tablet can include “501” or manufacturer-specific codes.
Distinguishing Branded and Generic Versions
Mirtazapine is sold under the brand names Remeron (film-coated tablets) and Remeron SolTab (ODTs), as well as by numerous generic companies. All versions contain the identical active pharmaceutical ingredient, but their visual characteristics are regulated to be distinct. Generic manufacturers use different inactive ingredients, such as dyes and binders, which results in variations in color and shape.
Branded Remeron SolTab ODTs are uniformly white and round across all three strengths (15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg). These tablets are easily identified by a unique alphanumeric code debossed on one side, such as “TZ 1” for 15 mg, “TZ 2” for 30 mg, and “TZ 4” for 45 mg. Generic versions of the ODT or standard film-coated tablets feature a manufacturer-specific imprint, often a combination of letters and numbers identifying the company and drug strength.
Identification Safety and Verification
Relying solely on memory or a loose pill’s appearance for identification can be risky due to the large number of medications with similar shapes and colors. The most reliable method for confirming a pill is to use the imprint code in a trusted pill identifier database. Tools are available online, including those affiliated with regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The imprint code, color, and shape should be entered into these official databases to confirm the drug name and dosage. All medications should be stored in their original labeled containers, away from excessive heat and moisture, to prevent degradation and mix-ups. If an unknown pill is found, it should not be ingested and must be verified by a pharmacist or healthcare professional.