Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: DoctorBeaver on 12/08/2009 10:54:48

Title: Are tablet sizes standardised?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 12/08/2009 10:54:48
I have to take quite a few different medications and depending which pharmacy I go to, I get different brands. Yet all the tablets of the same type are the same size & colour regardless of which brand I get. For instance, codeine are always small & white & my morphine tabs are always medium size & brown.

Are the size & colour set by the original manufacturer before licences are issued? Is it done to make identification easier for idiots like me who get a couple of tablets out, forget to take them, then find them again a few hours later?
Title: Are tablet sizes standardised?
Post by: RD on 12/08/2009 12:01:05
These pill dispenser thingys are handy to avoid forgetting to take meds ...
 [ Invalid Attachment ]
http://www.redcross.org.uk/shop/subsection.asp?id=93465

Also available with multiple compartments per day.

Tip: always have a spare dispenser filled with a weeks worth of meds so you don't run out.
Title: Are tablet sizes standardised?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 12/08/2009 14:01:37
That's OK if you know in advance what you need to take and when, but I don't. Most of mine are painkillers which I take as & when required, and which ones I take depends on how severe the pain is.
Title: Are tablet sizes standardised?
Post by: Bored chemist on 12/08/2009 19:20:22
If it were big, grey and wrinkled it might be an elephant.
Oops, wrong joke.
Anyway, yes there is some standardisation of the "look" of drugs for easier identification.
Title: Are tablet sizes standardised?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 13/08/2009 00:06:37
Thank you, BC