What Percocet Tablets Look Like

Percocet tablets come in several shapes, sizes, and colors depending on the strength and manufacturer. The most common Percocet tablets are round or oval, with a white, yellow, or peachy color. Some versions are oblong. The tablet will always have an imprint stamped on one or both sides — this imprint identifies the drug name, strength, and manufacturer, and is the most reliable way to confirm what you are holding.

Because Percocet is a combination medication containing oxycodone and acetaminophen, the imprint will typically include a number representing the oxycodone dose (5, 7.5, or 10 mg) and sometimes letters or additional numbers for the manufacturer. For example, a tablet marked "512" contains 5 mg oxycodone and 325 mg acetaminophen. A tablet marked "A 333" contains 7.5 mg oxycodone and 325 mg acetaminophen.

The appearance alone is not enough to identify a tablet with certainty. Two tablets from different manufacturers can look similar but contain different drugs or different doses. Always check the imprint first, and if you cannot read it clearly, do not take the tablet.

Key Takeaways

  • Percocet tablets are usually round or oval, white, yellow, or peachy in color, but appearance varies by manufacturer and strength.
  • The imprint stamped on the tablet is the only reliable way to identify it — the imprint includes numbers and letters that match the drug name and dose.
  • Common imprints include "512" (5 mg), "A 333" (7.5 mg), and "A 335" (10 mg), though many other imprints exist depending on the maker.
  • If you cannot read the imprint clearly or the tablet looks damaged, do not take it — contact your pharmacist or doctor instead.
  • Tablets that look similar may contain different drugs or doses, so color and shape alone are not enough to confirm what you have.

Common Percocet Imprints and What They Mean

The imprint on a Percocet tablet tells you the oxycodone strength and the manufacturer. A tablet marked "512" is one of the most widely recognized — it contains 5 mg oxycodone and 325 mg acetaminophen and is typically white and round. The "512" refers to the oxycodone dose (5 mg) and the acetaminophen dose (325 mg), though the numbers are not always in that order on the tablet.

Other common imprints include "A 333" (7.5 mg oxycodone, 325 mg acetaminophen, made by Mallinckrodt), "A 335" (10 mg oxycodone, 325 mg acetaminophen, also Mallinckrodt), and "M523" (5 mg oxycodone, 325 mg acetaminophen, made by Mallinckrodt). Tablets marked "44 175" or "44 176" are also Percocet, made by Tris Pharma. The letter or number prefix usually identifies the pharmaceutical company that made the tablet.

If you have a tablet with an imprint you do not recognize, you can search the imprint on a pill identifier website or call your pharmacy. Your pharmacist can tell you exactly what the tablet is, what dose it contains, and whether it is safe for you to take.

How to Check the Imprint Clearly

To read the imprint on a tablet, hold it under good light and look at both sides. Some tablets have an imprint on only one side, and some have imprints on both. Use a magnifying glass if the print is small or hard to see. Write down the exact letters and numbers in the order they appear — for example, "A 333" is different from "333 A", and the order matters when you search for it.

If the imprint is worn, faded, or partially missing, do not guess. Contact your pharmacist with the bottle or packaging — the label on the bottle will have the drug name, dose, and lot number, which is more reliable than trying to read a damaged tablet. If you found a tablet without packaging and cannot read the imprint, it is safest not to take it.

Percocet Tablets vs. Generic Versions

Generic oxycodone and acetaminophen tablets look different from brand-name Percocet but contain the same active ingredients in the same doses. A generic version might be a different color or shape and will have a different imprint — for example, a generic 5 mg tablet might be marked "M365" instead of "512". Both are legitimate medications, and the imprint will tell you which manufacturer made it.

The strength and ingredients are what matter for your dose and safety, not the brand name. If your prescription was filled with a generic version and you are unsure whether it is the right medication, check the imprint against the label on the bottle. Your pharmacist can also confirm that the generic version matches your prescription.

What to Do If You Are Unsure About a Tablet

If you have a tablet and cannot identify it with certainty, do not take it. Call your pharmacist or doctor and describe what you see — the color, shape, size, and any imprint you can read. They can tell you what the tablet is and whether it is safe for you. If you found a tablet that is not yours, do not take it under any circumstances.

If a tablet looks damaged, discolored, or different from previous doses you have taken, contact your pharmacist before taking it. Tablets can degrade over time or if stored improperly, and a damaged tablet may not contain the correct dose or may have broken down in a way that makes it unsafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I identify Percocet just by color?

No. While many Percocet tablets are white, yellow, or peachy, color alone does not tell you what drug or dose you have. Two tablets from different manufacturers can be the same color but contain different medications or different strengths. Always check the imprint to be certain.

What if my Percocet tablet looks different from the last one I took?

Different manufacturers make tablets that look different even though they contain the same dose. If your prescription was refilled, your pharmacy may have dispensed a generic version or a version from a different maker. Check the imprint and compare it to the label on the bottle. If the imprint does not match the label, contact your pharmacist.

Where can I search a tablet imprint?

You can search a tablet imprint on pill identifier websites by entering the letters and numbers exactly as they appear. Your pharmacist can also look it up in seconds. If you use an online tool, confirm the result with your pharmacist or doctor before taking the tablet, especially if you are unsure about the imprint.

Is it safe to take a Percocet tablet if I cannot read the imprint?

No. If you cannot read the imprint clearly, contact your pharmacist or doctor. They can identify the tablet for you using the bottle label or other information. Taking a tablet you cannot identify puts you at risk of taking the wrong dose or the wrong medication.

Can counterfeit Percocet tablets look like real ones?

Yes. Counterfeit tablets can be made to look like legitimate Percocet, but they may contain incorrect doses, harmful substances, or no active ingredient at all. If you obtained a tablet outside of a licensed pharmacy, there is a higher risk it is counterfeit. Only take medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription.