Medication Shape, Size, and Color – What Does it Mean?
Medication Shape, Size, and Color – What Does it Mean?
When you pick up your medication from NOAH’s Pharmacy or elsewhere, you might notice that it comes in different shapes, sizes, or colors. Have you ever wondered why? These differences aren’t just for looks—they can actually play an important role in how your medication works or how easy it is for you to take. Let’s break it down:
Shape
The shape of a pill or tablet can affect how quickly it dissolves in your body. Some medications are round, oval, or even oblong. These shapes can be designed to help the pill break down faster or slower, depending on how the medicine needs to be absorbed. For example, a smaller, round pill might dissolve quicker than a larger, oblong one.
Size
The size of your medication matters too. Larger pills often contain more of the active ingredient, meaning they deliver a higher dose. However, bigger pills can sometimes be harder to swallow, so they may be designed to be taken with water or split in half if your doctor advises it.
Color
Color can be one of the easiest ways to identify your medication. Different colors help patients recognize their medications more easily and avoid mistakes. For example, you might take a blue pill in the morning and a white pill at night. This makes it less likely to mix them up. Sometimes, color is used to represent different strengths of the same medication.
Why Should You Care?
The shape, size, and color of your medication can impact how you take it and how well it works. Understanding these details can help you stay on top of your medication routine. If your pill ever looks different from what you’re used to, sometimes the answer is as simple as a different manufacturer, but it’s always a good idea to ask your pharmacist if anything has changed.
Learn more about NOAH’s Pharmacy services or request an appointment online. Remember, your NOAH healthcare team is here to help, if you have questions, feel free to reach out to your provider via MyChart or by calling 480-882-4545.
