Gabapentin is primarily prescribed to manage certain types of seizures and to relieve nerve pain, such as pain following a shingles outbreak. Since gabapentin is widely available in generic form, numerous manufacturers produce it, leading to significant variation in its appearance. Understanding the physical characteristics, including shape, color, and specific markings, is important for correctly identifying the medication dispensed by a pharmacy.
The Core Visual Characteristics
Gabapentin is commonly found as hard capsules or solid tablets, both typically immediate-release. Capsules are elongated and show the most color variation, appearing as solid colors (white, yellow, orange) or two-toned. Tablets are generally more uniform, typically white or off-white, and are often oval or oblong. They may feature a score line down the center. The texture of both forms is generally smooth.
Understanding Identification Markings
While color and shape offer a general starting point, the specific alphanumeric codes stamped on the medication are the definitive way to confirm its identity. Every prescription pill or capsule in the United States must have an imprint code, which serves as a unique identifier. This code is crucial because visual appearance alone is unreliable for distinguishing between drugs or different strengths of the same drug.
The imprints typically indicate the manufacturer and the milligram strength. For example, a 300 mg capsule might be marked “GABAPENTIN 300” or “300.” Tablets often feature a manufacturer’s logo or letters and numbers on one side, with the dosage strength on the other. These codes allow the chemical contents and strength to be accurately verified against official drug databases.
Distinguishing Dosage and Formulation Variations
The size and color of gabapentin often change predictably as the milligram strength increases, even within the same manufacturer’s product line. Higher-dose tablets, such as 600 mg or 800 mg, are noticeably larger than the 100 mg or 300 mg capsules to accommodate the greater quantity of active ingredient. A manufacturer may also use distinct color coding to help differentiate strengths.
Beyond the standard forms, specialized extended-release (ER) formulations have unique appearances due to their advanced delivery mechanisms. The brand-name ER tablet, Gralise, is designed to be taken only once daily. For example, the Gralise 300 mg tablet is white and oval, while the 600 mg tablet is beige.
Another specialized form is Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil). The Horizant 300 mg tablet is red and oval, and the 600 mg tablet is white to off-white. These specialized ER forms are typically larger tablets and must not be crushed or chewed, as that would destroy their slow-release function.
Safety and Verification Protocols
Relying on a pill’s visual appearance alone is never sufficient for medical verification. Physical characteristics can be easily confused with other medications, especially since many drugs share similar colors and shapes.
If a pill is found outside its original container, the alphanumeric imprint code should be used to cross-reference the medication in a reliable online drug identification database. For absolute confirmation, consult a pharmacist, who can verify the drug based on the code and dosage. Any medication that cannot be definitively identified and verified through its official imprint code should be avoided.