Pill imprints are the unique combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols pressed into a tablet or capsule. These markings, along with a pill’s specific size, shape, and color, are required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for most prescription and over-the-counter drugs. This system allows for the rapid identification of a medication’s active ingredients and its dosage. For patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, these imprints help verify that the correct medication is being taken, preventing mix-ups and providing a reliable way to confirm a pill’s identity.
What Is the T 194 Pill?
The pill marked with the “T 194” imprint is a prescription pain medication that contains two active ingredients: 325 milligrams of acetaminophen and 10 milligrams of oxycodone hydrochloride. It is physically described as a white, capsule or oblong-shaped tablet. This medication is a generic formulation, meaning it is biochemically equivalent to a brand-name product but produced by a different manufacturer. The combination of these two ingredients is also found in the brand-name drug, Percocet.
The numbers on other similar medications, such as “10/325,” directly refer to the strength of the oxycodone and acetaminophen components, respectively. This specific dosage is one of several available combinations, and the “T 194” imprint uniquely identifies this particular formulation.
Prescribed Uses and Function
This combination medication is prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain that is not adequately controlled by other treatments. It is often used for short-term pain relief following a surgical procedure, a significant injury, or for certain chronic conditions that cause intense pain. The prescription of this drug is based on a medical assessment of the patient’s pain level and history.
Oxycodone hydrochloride is an opioid analgesic that acts on the central nervous system. It binds to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, altering the perception of pain and the body’s emotional response to it. Acetaminophen, while a less potent pain reliever, works to inhibit pain signals in a different way and also acts as a fever reducer. It enhances the pain-relieving effects of the oxycodone, allowing for greater relief than either substance would provide alone.
Common Side Effects and Serious Risks
Patients taking this medication may experience a range of common side effects. These frequently include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. These reactions can impair cognitive and motor functions, making activities like driving or operating machinery hazardous. Most of these effects are related to the oxycodone component and its impact on the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
The oxycodone component carries a high risk of addiction, physical dependence, and misuse. As an opioid, it can cause severe respiratory depression, a condition where breathing becomes dangerously slow or stops, which can be fatal.
The acetaminophen in the pill poses a distinct and serious risk of severe liver damage, known as hepatotoxicity. Consuming high doses, especially over an extended period, can lead to acute liver failure.
Safe Administration and Precautions
This medication must be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider, and the dose and frequency should not be altered without medical consultation. It is important for patients to be aware of the total amount of acetaminophen they consume from all sources, including cold and flu remedies, to prevent liver toxicity.
A precaution is the avoidance of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines or other opioids. The combination can increase the sedative effects and elevate the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression. Patients should inform their doctor of all other medications they are taking to prevent harmful interactions.
This medication is a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating its high potential for abuse and dependence. It should never be shared, as a therapeutic dose for one person could be fatal for another. Proper storage and disposal of unused medication are necessary safety measures.