Imprint codes are fundamental to identifying prescription and over-the-counter medications. These codes, which include numbers, letters, or both, are stamped onto tablets and capsules by manufacturers. They serve as a standardized system for regulators and healthcare providers to identify the contents of a pill, ensuring accuracy and safety. The specific code “115” is one such identifier, but it is not a brand name and is often shared across different drug formulations. Confirming the identity of any unknown medication is important, as the imprint is only one characteristic of a complete identification profile.
Identifying the Specific Medication
Identifying a medication based solely on a number like “115” is challenging because imprint codes are not always unique to a single drug. The number “115” has been used for various medications, including Atorvastatin Calcium (for high cholesterol) or Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (a stimulant), depending on the pill’s color, shape, and accompanying letters.
Accurate identification requires combining the imprint with other physical characteristics like the pill’s color, shape (e.g., oval, round, capsule), and whether it is scored. Resources like the FDA’s pill identifier tools or major pharmacy databases allow users to cross-reference these characteristics to narrow down the possibilities. The most common medication associated with searches for this type of identifier is Hydroxyzine Pamoate.
The Role of Hydroxyzine Pamoate
Hydroxyzine Pamoate is a drug primarily classified as a first-generation antihistamine. It exerts its effects by blocking the action of histamine in the body, making it highly effective in treating allergic conditions. Specifically, it relieves pruritus, or severe itching, often related to chronic hives, dermatitis, and other allergic skin reactions.
The mechanism involves the drug binding to histamine H1-receptors, actively dampening the activity of histamine, a key chemical mediator in allergic responses. This suppresses symptoms like the wheal and flare reaction in the skin. The drug acts quickly, with a sedative effect observed within 15 to 30 minutes following oral administration.
Beyond its anti-allergy role, Hydroxyzine Pamoate is also used for its effects on the central nervous system (CNS). The medication is FDA-approved for the short-term symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis. This anti-anxiety effect is due to the drug’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and decrease activity at subcortical levels of the CNS. This dual action—antihistamine and anxiolytic—makes it a valuable tool in clinical practice, often prescribed to manage acute anxiety episodes or to provide sedation before medical procedures.
Administration and Common Side Effects
Hydroxyzine Pamoate is typically taken orally in capsule form, and the required dosage varies based on the condition being treated. For pruritus management, a common starting dose is 25 milligrams, administered three or four times per day. For the symptomatic relief of anxiety, the adult dosage is often higher, ranging from 50 milligrams up to 100 milligrams taken four times daily.
The most frequently reported adverse effects relate to CNS activity, with drowsiness being the most common experience. Another reported side effect is dry mouth, which results from the drug’s anticholinergic properties. Patients, particularly older adults, should be monitored closely for confusion or increased drowsiness, as sedation can be more pronounced in this population.
Individuals are cautioned against operating machinery or driving until they understand how the drug affects them. It is also recommended to avoid consuming alcohol or other CNS depressants while on this medication, as this can intensify the sedative effects and increase the risk of adverse reactions.