Lisinopril is a common medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It comes in various strengths, including 10 mg and 12.5 mg tablets. However, the color of lisinopril tablets can vary between manufacturers and strengths. In this article, we’ll take a look at what colors lisinopril 10 mg and 12.5 mg tablets typically come in from major brands.
Background on Lisinopril
Lisinopril belongs to a class of medications called ACE inhibitors. It works by relaxing blood vessels to allow blood to flow more easily, lowering blood pressure. Lisinopril is often prescribed for conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease.
Some common brand names for lisinopril include Prinivil, Zestril, and generic formulations. It comes in tablet form in strengths ranging from 2.5 mg to 40 mg. The 10 mg and 12.5 mg strengths are commonly used for maintenance treatment of high blood pressure.
Typical Color of 10 mg Lisinopril Tablets
Most major pharmaceutical manufacturers produce lisinopril 10 mg tablets. Here are some of the typical colors for this strength:
- Prinivil (Merck): Peach, oval-shaped tablet
- Zestril (AstraZeneca): Pink, round tablet
- Lupin: Yellow, round tablet
- Aurobindo: White, round tablet
- Teva: Yellow, oval-shaped tablet
- Mylan: White, round tablet
- Sun Pharma: Peach, round tablet
- Camber: Peach, oval-shaped tablet
As you can see, the most common colors for 10 mg lisinopril tablets are white, yellow, pink, and peach. However, there can be variation between generic formulations from different manufacturers.
Typical Color of 12.5 mg Lisinopril Tablets
Like the 10 mg strength, many major brands produce 12.5 mg lisinopril tablets. Here are some typical colors:
- Prinivil (Merck): Yellow, oval-shaped tablet
- Zestril (AstraZeneca): Light pink, round tablet
- Lupin: Light yellow, round tablet
- Aurobindo: White, round tablet
- Teva: Yellow, oval-shaped tablet
- Mylan: White, round tablet
- Sun Pharma: Peach, round tablet
- Camber: Peach, oval-shaped tablet
For 12.5 mg tablets, light yellow, white, light pink, and peach are the most frequently seen colors. As with the 10 mg, colors can vary between generic manufacturers.
Comparing 10 mg and 12.5 mg Lisinopril Tablets
When comparing 10 mg and 12.5 mg lisinopril tablets from the same manufacturer, you’ll notice some similarities and differences in color:
- Prinivil: 10 mg is peach, 12.5 mg is yellow
- Zestril: 10 mg is pink, 12.5 mg is light pink
- Lupin: 10 mg is yellow, 12.5 mg is light yellow
- Aurobindo: Both 10 mg and 12.5 mg are white
- Teva: Both 10 mg and 12.5 mg are yellow
- Mylan: Both 10 mg and 12.5 mg are white
- Sun Pharma: Both 10 mg and 12.5 mg are peach
- Camber: Both 10 mg and 12.5 mg are peach
As shown, tablets from the same manufacturer sometimes come in slightly different colors between the 10 mg and 12.5 mg strengths. However, others use the same color for both strengths.
Why Does Color Vary?
There are a few reasons why lisinopril tablets come in different colors:
- Brand recognition – Major brands like Prinivil and Zestril use signature colors to differentiate their products.
- Strength identification – Colors help distinguish between different strengths (e.g. 10 mg yellow, 12.5 mg peach).
- Generic variability – Generic manufacturers may use different inactive ingredients and colorings.
- Dye availability – Manufacturers select from approved color additives on availability and cost.
Tablet color is not indicative of effectiveness or safety. The FDA requires all lisinopril formulations, regardless of color, to provide the same clinical effect.
Does Color Impact Cost?
For the most part, tablet color does not impact the cost of lisinopril significantly. However, there can be minor variability in cost between manufacturers.
Here is a comparison of average retail prices for 30 tablets of 10 mg and 12.5 mg lisinopril from major brands:
| Brand | 10 mg Price | 12.5 mg Price |
|---|---|---|
| Prinivil | $15 | $17 |
| Zestril | $80 | $130 |
| Lupin | $12 | $15 |
| Aurobindo | $6 | $7 |
| Teva | $18 | $16 |
As shown, prices range from $6-$80 for a month’s supply, with generic formulations generally being cheaper than branded ones like Prinivil and Zestril. But color itself does not correlate strongly with cost variances between brands.
Tips for Identifying Lisinopril Tablet Strength
Since lisinopril tablets of different strengths come in an array of colors, here are some tips for identifying your tablet strength:
- Check your prescription bottle or packaging for the labeled strength.
- Look for small numbers stamped on the tablet indicating 10 or 12.5 mg.
- Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure of the strength.
- Compare your tablet color to the common colors listed above for that strength.
- Use a pill identifier tool online to match your tablet imprint code, color and shape.
Knowing the prescribed strength of lisinopril is important for taking the correct dosage. Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you suspect you have the wrong tablet strength.
Conclusion
In summary, lisinopril 10 mg tablets are typically white, yellow, pink or peach, while 12.5 mg tablets tend to be light yellow, white, light pink or peach. However, colors vary significantly between brands and generic manufacturers. The dye used does not impact effectiveness or cost substantially. Being able to identify your correct tablet strength is crucial when taking this medication. Consult a medical professional if you have any concerns about the color or strength of your lisinopril tablets.