Drug Identification System
PillID
Free pill identifier.
Identify any pill instantly.
Find any unknown pill by its imprint code, shape, color, or photo. PillID searches 83,923 medications from the U.S. National Library of Medicine — completely free, no account required.
83,923 medications indexed
8,693 pill images
Free forever · No account
AI photo identification
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: PillID is for informational purposes only. Never use pill identification results to make clinical medication decisions. Always verify with a licensed pharmacist or healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).
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Enter the imprint code, shape, color, or upload a photo
How to identify a pill
1
Find the imprint code
Look for letters, numbers, or a combination stamped directly on the pill. The imprint is usually on both sides. Examples: L484, M365, IP 466, GG 249. This is the most reliable way to identify a pill.
2
Note the shape and color
If the imprint is hard to read, adding the shape (round, oval, capsule) and color (white, blue, yellow) narrows results significantly. You can search by shape and color alone if there's no imprint.
3
Or take a photo
Use the "Identify pill from photo" button to upload a clear, well-lit photo. Our AI will automatically detect the imprint, shape, and color and run the search for you.
4
Review results and verify
Results show the drug name, strength, shape, color, DEA schedule (if applicable), inactive ingredients, and what the medication is used for. Always confirm with a pharmacist before making any medication decisions.
Identification methods
By Imprint Code
The most accurate method. Enter the letters and numbers stamped on the pill. Imprints are unique identifiers required by the FDA on all solid oral medications.
Search by imprint →
By Photo (AI)
Upload a clear photo of the pill. Claude AI analyzes the image to extract the imprint, shape, and color automatically — then searches the database instantly.
Upload a photo →
By Shape & Color
Search by shape (round, oval, capsule, rectangle) and color alone — useful when the imprint is worn or missing. Returns all matching pills in the database.
Search by shape/color →
Drug Interaction Check
Once you identify a pill, check it for interactions with other medications. Powered by NLM RxNav, FDA drug labels, and AI — all in one click.
Check interactions →
Common pill imprints
Frequently asked questions
What is a pill identifier? ▼
A pill identifier is a tool that lets you look up an unknown medication by its physical characteristics — the imprint code stamped on it, its shape, or its color. PillID searches the U.S. National Library of Medicine Pillbox database of 83,923 medications to find matches.
How accurate is pill identification by imprint? ▼
Imprint codes are required by the FDA on all solid oral medications and are generally reliable identifiers. However, the same imprint can occasionally appear on different medications from different manufacturers. Always confirm your identification with a licensed pharmacist before making any medication decision.
What if the pill isn't in the database? ▼
The NLM Pillbox database was archived in 2021, so medications approved after that date won't appear. Some foreign medications, supplements, and over-the-counter products from small manufacturers may also be missing. If you can't find a pill, contact a local pharmacist or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Can I identify a pill from a photo? ▼
Yes — PillID includes AI-powered photo identification. Click "Identify pill from photo" on the main page and upload a clear, well-lit photo. Claude AI will analyze the image, extract the imprint, shape, and color, and automatically run a search. Works best with clear, focused photos taken in good lighting.
Is PillID free to use? ▼
Yes, PillID is completely free. No account, no subscription, no fee. Drug identification data is sourced from U.S. government public domain databases.
Does PillID store my photos or search history? ▼
No. Photos uploaded for AI analysis are processed in real time and immediately discarded — they are never stored on our servers. Search queries are not logged or retained. See our Privacy Policy for full details.