A “10 pill” typically refers to prescription tablets imprinted with “10,” often indicating a 10 mg dosage strength. These are identified using pill imprint databases, where shape, color, and markings distinguish one drug from another.
Common “10” Imprint Medications
Many drugs feature a simple “10” imprint alongside variations in color and form. For instance, Atorvastatin Calcium 10 mg appears as a white, oval tablet used to lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cardiovascular risk. Citalopram Hydrobromide 10 mg, a brown round tablet, treats depression as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Escitalopram Oxalate 10 mg is a white round tablet marked “10” and “11,36,” prescribed for anxiety and depression with fewer side effects than older antidepressants. Donepezil Hydrochloride 10 mg, orange and round, manages Alzheimer’s symptoms by boosting acetylcholine levels in the brain.
| Drug Name | Strength | Description | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atorvastatin Calcium | 10 mg | White, oval, “10” | Cholesterol reduction |
| Citalopram | 10 mg | Brown, round, “10” | Depression |
| Donepezil | 10 mg | Orange, round, “10” | Alzheimer’s |
| Escitalopram | 10 mg | White, round, “10 11,36” | Anxiety/Depression |
| Metolazone | 10 mg | Yellow, round, “10 645” | Diuretic for edema |
Why Pill Imprints Matter?
Pill identifiers like those on RxList or Healthline help patients and pharmacists match unmarked tablets to medications, preventing errors from generics with varying appearances. Imprints are FDA-required for most U.S. prescriptions over 1/16 inch, but over-the-counter pills may lack them.
Never ingest unidentified pills, as similar-looking ones like yellow round Olanzapine 10 mg (antipsychotic) or white Rizatriptan 10 mg (migraine relief) serve vastly different purposes.
Broader Context: Top Prescribed Pills
“10 mg” doses appear in common U.S. prescriptions like Atorvastatin (top-ranked for cholesterol). Others include Metoprolol 10 mg variants for blood pressure control via beta-blockade. Zolpidem Tartrate 10 mg tablets treat insomnia but carry addiction risks, requiring gradual tapering.
These reflect prevalent conditions: cardiovascular disease, mental health, and metabolic disorders drive their widespread use.