Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog, primarily approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is also widely used in obstetrics and gynecology for labor induction and medical management of miscarriage or abortion. Understanding the physical characteristics of the Misoprostol tablet is the first step in confirming its identity. This article focuses solely on the observable characteristics of the tablet.
Core Physical Characteristics
The Misoprostol tablet is typically small, round, and white or off-white. It often measures around 6 to 7 millimeters in diameter. This small size is consistent across most manufacturers who produce the drug in its two common dosage strengths.
The most important feature for positive identification is the imprint, an alphanumeric code pressed onto the tablet’s surface by the manufacturer. For example, a 200 microgram (mcg) tablet might be imprinted with “G 5008,” while a 100 mcg tablet may have a different code, such as “N 443.” These specific markings are the regulatory standard for all oral medications and serve as a unique identifier that is more reliable than color or shape alone.
The pill’s shape is predominantly round, though some manufacturers produce a hexagonal tablet for the 200 mcg strength. Misoprostol often does not have a score line, meaning it is intended to be taken whole. The white or off-white color is due to inactive ingredients, such as microcrystalline cellulose, which form the bulk of the tablet.
Appearance Based on Dosage and Manufacturer
Misoprostol is available in 100 mcg and 200 mcg strengths. Since it is a generic medication, many companies produce it, leading to variations in identifying characteristics. For instance, one manufacturer’s 200 mcg tablet might be imprinted with “10 07,” while another company’s tablet of the same strength may bear the code “161 n.”
The original brand-name version, Cytotec, is manufactured by Pfizer. Generic counterparts must maintain the same active ingredient but can use different inactive components, which may subtly alter the overall look. This variation means knowing only the color or shape is insufficient for verification, as a white, round pill is common for many different drugs. The precise imprint code connects a specific tablet to its manufacturer and dosage strength.
Variations include the possibility of a hexagonal shape for the 200 mcg dose from certain suppliers, though the round shape is more widespread. Because the active ingredient is sensitive to moisture, the tablets are formulated with excipients like hypromellose to ensure stability. Relying on the unique imprint is the only safe way to confirm the drug’s identity.
Packaging and Verification Methods
Misoprostol is highly sensitive to moisture and chemically unstable when exposed to humidity. Therefore, its packaging is specifically designed to protect the tablets from degradation. The standard is a double-aluminum blister pack, often called an Alu/Alu blister, where each tablet is individually sealed between two layers of aluminum foil.
Users should inspect the packaging for the drug’s name, dosage strength (100 mcg or 200 mcg), expiration date, and manufacturer’s name. The blister pack is usually enclosed within a cardboard box with a package insert providing detailed drug information. If the tablets are dispensed from a pharmacy bottle, the label must contain this same identifying information, drawn from the original manufacturer’s lot.
To verify the pill’s identity beyond the label, one can use an online pill identification tool, which typically requires inputting the specific imprint code found on the tablet’s surface. This method confirms the physical markings on the pill match the known characteristics for Misoprostol of that particular strength and manufacturer. Consulting a pharmacist is the most reliable verification method, as they can cross-reference the imprint code, shape, and color against official drug databases.