The numbers and letters imprinted on prescription medication are mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and serve as the only reliable way to identify a drug. The imprint “93” does not refer to a specific medication but acts as an identification code for the manufacturer. This number is used by a major generic drug company, meaning the “93” imprint alone is insufficient for positive identification. This guide explains the significance of this code and provides the necessary steps to accurately determine what the pill is used for.
The Manufacturer Code and Imprint Ambiguity
The numerical code “93” is officially registered as the identifier for Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of generic medications. Federal regulations require all pharmaceutical companies to include a unique code on their products, linking the pill back to its producer. Because Teva produces a vast catalog of generic drugs, the “93” code can appear on tablets and capsules of nearly any therapeutic class.
This single code is used across dozens of formulations, different strengths, and various drug delivery systems, such as immediate-release versus extended-release versions. The number on the opposite side of the score line or the second set of numbers following the “93” is the specific product code that identifies the active ingredient and strength. Relying only on the manufacturer’s code could lead to dangerous misidentification.
Drug Classes Commonly Identified by the Imprint
Despite the wide variety of drugs carrying the “93” imprint, they can be grouped into several major therapeutic categories designed to treat common conditions.
Anticonvulsants
One frequently encountered drug class is the Anticonvulsants, which includes medications like Gabapentin. Gabapentin is primarily used to manage seizure disorders, neuropathic pain, and restless legs syndrome. The therapeutic action involves reducing the excitability of nerve cells in the brain and nervous system, which helps to calm abnormal electrical activity.
Antidepressants
Another common group is the Antidepressants, specifically the serotonin modulator Trazodone. Trazodone is often prescribed for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety, but also off-label as a sedative to treat insomnia. Its mechanism of action involves blocking the reuptake of serotonin and certain serotonin receptors, which helps to regulate mood and promote sleep.
CNS Stimulants
Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants are another category commonly produced by Teva, including drugs like Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride. This medication is primarily used in the management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to improve focus and impulse control by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Analgesics
Furthermore, the “93” code can also be found on combination analgesics. These often contain a pain reliever like an opioid paired with acetaminophen, used for the short-term management of moderate to severe pain. The wide range of uses, from treating nerve pain to managing depression and ADHD, underscores why the full identification of the pill is necessary before use.
Steps for Definitive Pill Identification
To accurately determine the identity and use of a pill marked with “93,” a multi-step process using all available physical characteristics is required. The first step involves noting the secondary identifying factors that differentiate it from the thousands of other products made by the same company. These factors include the pill’s shape, such as whether it is round, oval, or capsule-shaped, and its color.
The most critical step is identifying the specific code on the opposite side of the tablet, which is often a second number or a combination of letters and numbers. This secondary code is the unique product identifier that specifies the drug name, the dosage strength, and the exact formulation.
Once all of the characteristics—manufacturer code, secondary product code, shape, and color—have been documented, this information should be entered into a reliable online pill identification database. Resources provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or major pharmaceutical websites maintain comprehensive records of all FDA-approved medications. Entering all data points simultaneously will significantly narrow down the search results to a single, definitive match. Given that many “93” imprinted medications are controlled substances or powerful prescription drugs, it is important to consult a pharmacist or other healthcare professional for final confirmation.
Guidelines for Safe Handling and Storage
Once the drug has been definitively identified, proper handling and storage are paramount to ensure safety and maintain the medication’s effectiveness. All medications, particularly those like CNS stimulants or opioid-containing analgesics, must be stored securely out of sight and reach of children and pets. A cool, dry location is best for storage, as heat and moisture can degrade the active ingredients and reduce the drug’s therapeutic benefit.
Medication should never be shared with others, as prescription drugs are tailored to an individual’s specific medical condition and health profile. It is also important to be aware of possible interactions. Specifically, avoid combining these prescription drugs with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, which can lead to excessive sedation or dangerous respiratory issues.
For disposal of unused or expired pills, the safest method is typically a community drug take-back program or a mail-back envelope provided by a pharmacy. If these options are unavailable, the FDA recommends mixing the pills with an unappealing substance, such as used coffee grounds or cat litter, without crushing the tablets. This mixture should then be placed in a sealed plastic bag or container before being thrown into the household trash. This process makes the medication less desirable to pets or individuals who might intentionally misuse them.