Identifying a pill with an “187” imprint and 40 mg dosage can be confusing because these markings are associated with several medications. While one drug matches this description, the numbers can be misread, leading to dangerous mix-ups. Accurate pill identification requires a combination of the imprint code, dosage, color, and shape.
Identifying the “187 40 mg” Pill
A medication matching the “187 40 mg” imprint is a white, oblong capsule identified as Esomeprazole Magnesium 40 mg. Supplied by Biocon Pharma Inc., it is marked with “187” on the cap and “40 mg” on the body. Esomeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medications work by reducing stomach acid. They are prescribed to treat conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, and pathological hypersecretory conditions like Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
Investigating the “187” Pill Imprint
The number “187” can cause identification errors if the full imprint is not considered. For instance, the imprint “M367” can be misread. The “M367” pill is a white, oval tablet containing Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen, a prescription opioid pain reliever. Another possibility is the imprint “IP 187” on some formulations of Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and decrease inflammation.
Identifying Common 40 mg Medications
Relying on the “40 mg” dosage alone is unreliable for identification, as it is a standard strength for many drugs. For example, a 40 mg dose is common for the opioid pain reliever Oxycodone, used for managing severe pain. This dosage is also used for medications treating completely different conditions:
- Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor used to manage high blood pressure and treat heart failure.
- Furosemide, a diuretic prescribed to reduce excess fluid from the body.
- Pantoprazole, another proton pump inhibitor available to reduce stomach acid.
Understanding Prescription Opioids
Since some pills confused with the “187” imprint are opioids like Hydrocodone and Oxycodone, it is important to understand this class of drugs. Opioids are substances that act on opioid receptors in the brain to produce powerful pain-relieving effects. They are prescribed for severe pain, such as after surgery or a serious injury. These medications carry significant risks, including a high potential for misuse and addiction. A severe risk is respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously slow and can lead to fatal overdose, so they should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision.
Safe Medication Identification and Use
Never take a pill unless you are certain of its identity and it has been prescribed for you. If you find a loose pill, use a reputable online pill identifier tool, which allows you to input characteristics like imprint, color, and shape. For a definitive match, consult a pharmacist who can confirm the pill’s identity and provide information about its use. Store medication securely in its original container, away from children and pets. Unused medications should be disposed of properly through community take-back programs or by following FDA guidelines.