What Is The S500 White Oval Pill?
The S 500 white oval pill is identified as acetaminophen, according to Drugs.com [1]. The 500 refers to the dosage of 500mg tablet of acetaminophen in the capsule. It has specifically been manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Himprit Pharmachem PVT LTD.
What is the Pill Imprint?
The s500 white oval pill refers to the marking on the outer side of a tablet or capsule medication. It is called the pill imprint, which can be used to identify the active ingredient and the dosage of that active ingredient in the pill you are interested in. This may be helpful if you find a single pill in your medicine cabinet and in medical investigations.
The pill imprint or imprint code is only found on medications and homeopathic pills manufactured and sold in the USA. If your pill does not have an imprint, is has either been manufactured and sold abroad, is a vitamin (such as Vitamin C) or an illegal drug or drug of abuse [2]. Your pills will not be labeled according to this standard imprint in Europe.
Let us return to the s500 white oval pill and discuss its use.
The S500 Pill: What Is It Used For?
The s500 pill is acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) non-prescription drug that is widely used for its ability to reduce fever and alleviate pain. Pain that acetaminophen can alleviate include muscle pain, menstrual pain, minor aches, and headaches [3, 4, 5]. It is found in over 600 over-the-counter and prescription medications, making it one of these products' most common pharmacologically active ingredients [3]. Examples of medications containing acetaminophen include TheraFlu, Nyquil, Vicks or Panadol [6].
How Does Acetaminophen Work?
Acetaminophen works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which produce prostaglandins, substances in the body that cause inflammation and pain. By reducing the amount of prostaglandins released, acetaminophen reduces pain and inflammation.
Despite its widespread use, acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage if taken in excess or in combination with alcohol [7]. Therefore, adhering to the recommended dosage is crucial to avoid potential toxicity.
Acetaminophen Brand Names
Acetaminophen is marketed under various brand names, which is why it is one of the most common medications, although different formulations are used. One of the most recognized brands is Tylenol, widely used for relieving minor aches and pains and reducing fever [8, 9]. Other brands of acetaminophen include Anacin Aspirin Free and Daytril [9].
Despite being marketed under different brand names, the bioavailability of acetaminophen across different brands is generally similar. For instance, a study evaluating three brands of acetaminophen tablets found no significant difference in their bioavailability, concluding that all tablets were rapidly and almost completely absorbed [10]. Another study comparing four brands of acetaminophen tablets found that all batches dissolved at least 80% of their acetaminophen content within 30 minutes [11].
However, some studies have shown differences in absorption rate between brands and formulations. For example, sodium bicarbonate, present in some drug products, was reported to increase the rate of absorption, probably because it can increase the speed at which your stomach empties, so acetaminophen will be absorbed quicker [12].
In conclusion, while there are multiple brands of acetaminophen available, the differences between them are generally minimal and likely won't significantly impact their effectiveness as a pain reliever.
Side Effects
Common side effects of acetaminophen when taken as the s500 white oval pill include nausea, vomiting or constipation.
Serious side effects after taking acetaminophen are very rare. The most frequent serious side effect is liver damage, which is usually a result of long-term use of acetaminophen or drug interactions of acetaminophen and other drugs metabolized in the liver, such as alcohol [13]. Symptoms of liver damage include yellow skin and the whites of your eyes (a symptom called jaundice), pain in the upper right area of your abdomen, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual bruising or bleeding, fatigue, sweating more than usual, dark urine and stools [13].
In very rare cases, some people can have allergic reactions to acetaminophen. These reactions can include difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of your face, lips, throat, or tongue, hives, severe itching, and peeling or blistering skin [13].
Conclusion
While acetaminophen is generally safe for most people when used as directed, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects and to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any severe side effects. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions to minimize the risk of side effects.
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