What are yellow capsules used for?

Yellow capsule medications commonly treat infections (doxycycline, amoxicillin, cephalexin, clindamycin) and nerve pain (gabapentin). Many antibiotics use yellow capsule shells as a manufacturing choice by individual generic makers.

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Yellow Capsule Pill: What Could It Be?

Q: What is a yellow capsule pill?

Yellow capsules include doxycycline 100mg, gabapentin 300mg (some yellow manufacturers, imprint E 63), amoxicillin in some forms, clindamycin 150mg, and cephalexin 250mg. The imprint on the capsule body is the most reliable identifier.

Q: How do I identify a yellow capsule without an imprint?

U.S. prescription capsules must carry a printed imprint. A yellow capsule with no markings is likely an OTC supplement. For emergencies, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Found a yellow capsule and not sure what it is? Yellow capsules are common for several antibiotic and nerve pain medications. The most reliable identifier is the imprint code printed on the capsule body. Below are the most commonly encountered yellow capsule pills in the United States.

Most Common Yellow Capsule Pills

Doxycycline 100 mg

Generic / Vibramycin

Tetracycline antibiotic for bacterial and certain parasitic infections, acne, and malaria prevention.

Common imprints: DOXY 100, WC 331, par 077

Gabapentin 300 mg

Generic / Neurontin (some yellow manufacturers)

Anticonvulsant for nerve pain and seizure disorders.

Imprint: E 63 (some yellow-bodied versions); varies by maker

Amoxicillin

Generic (some manufacturers)

Penicillin-class antibiotic for bacterial infections of the ear, throat, lung, and skin.

Varies by manufacturer and strength

Clindamycin 150 mg

Generic / Cleocin

Lincosamide antibiotic for serious bacterial infections.

Common imprints: CLINDA 150, West-ward 3185, M 263

Cephalexin 250 mg

Generic / Keflex

Cephalosporin antibiotic for skin, respiratory, and urinary tract infections.

Common imprints: KEFLEX 250, WC 250, M 258

Identify Your Yellow Capsule

Enter the imprint code from your capsule for an exact match — or search by shape and color to browse all options.

Search Yellow Capsule Pills →

How to Identify a Yellow Capsule

Look for text printed on both halves of the capsule. Most prescription capsules carry an imprint on each half — often the manufacturer code on one half and a strength number on the other. Hold the capsule up to light if the print is faint.

Yellow capsules frequently house antibiotics and anticonvulsants. Enter the complete imprint with "yellow" and "capsule" in PillID's identifier. For emergencies or poison concerns, call 1-800-222-1222.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a yellow capsule pill?

Yellow capsules are commonly used for doxycycline 100mg, gabapentin 300mg from some manufacturers, amoxicillin in various strengths, clindamycin 150mg, and cephalexin 250mg. The imprint on the capsule body is the most reliable identifier.

How do I identify a yellow capsule without an imprint?

U.S. prescription capsules must carry a printed imprint. A completely unmarked yellow capsule is likely an OTC supplement. For emergencies, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

What are yellow capsules usually used for?

Yellow capsule medications most commonly treat infections (doxycycline, amoxicillin, cephalexin, clindamycin) or nerve pain (gabapentin). The yellow color is a manufacturing choice that varies by generic maker.