What Flexeril Tablets Look Like

Flexeril tablets come in two common strengths, and each has a distinct appearance. The 5 mg tablet is a white or off-white round pill with the imprint "MSD 105" on one side. The 10 mg tablet is a peach or orange-colored round pill with the imprint "MSD 917" on one side. Both tablets are small and flat, about the size of a standard aspirin.

The appearance matters because it helps you confirm you have received the correct medication from your pharmacy. If your tablet does not match this description, contact your pharmacist before taking it. Flexeril is a muscle relaxant prescribed for short-term relief of muscle spasms, and taking the wrong medication or wrong dose can cause unwanted effects.

Key Takeaways

  • Flexeril 5 mg is a white or off-white round tablet with "MSD 105" printed on one side.
  • Flexeril 10 mg is a peach or orange round tablet with "MSD 917" printed on one side.
  • Both tablets are small, flat, and round, similar in size to a standard aspirin.
  • Always check your tablet against your prescription label and pharmacy paperwork to confirm you received the correct medication.

Why the Imprint Matters

The imprint on a tablet is a safety feature. It identifies the manufacturer, the drug name or code, and the dose. "MSD" stands for Merck Sharp & Dohme, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Flexeril. The numbers that follow (105 or 917) tell you the specific strength and formulation.

If you receive a tablet that does not have this imprint, or if the imprint is different, do not take it. Bring it back to your pharmacy and ask them to verify what you received. Pharmacies sometimes dispense generic versions of Flexeril, which may look different but will still carry an imprint that identifies them as cyclobenzaprine (the active ingredient in Flexeril).

Generic Flexeril Tablets

Generic cyclobenzaprine tablets may look different from brand-name Flexeril. Generic manufacturers are allowed to use different colors, shapes, and imprints as long as the imprint identifies the drug, dose, and manufacturer. You might receive a generic tablet that is round, oval, or oblong, and in colors ranging from white to yellow to pink.

The key is that the imprint will always identify it as cyclobenzaprine and will show the dose (5 mg or 10 mg). If you are unsure whether a generic tablet is the correct medication, check the pharmacy label on the bottle. The label will list the drug name (cyclobenzaprine), the dose, and the number of tablets. You can also ask your pharmacist to show you the medication information sheet that came with your prescription.

How to Store Your Flexeril Tablets

Flexeril tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep them in the original pharmacy bottle with the label intact. The bottle protects the tablets and the label tells you the dose, expiration date, and any warnings or instructions from your pharmacist.

Do not transfer tablets to a pill organizer or other container unless you are taking the dose when ready. If you do use a pill organizer, write the drug name, dose, and date on the organizer so you know what you are taking. Flexeril tablets are stable for as long as the expiration date on the bottle, but discard any tablets that are discolored, crumbly, or smell unusual.

What to Do If Your Tablet Looks Different

If your Flexeril tablet looks different from what you expected, do not assume it is wrong. Pharmacies may switch between brand-name and generic versions, or between different generic manufacturers, depending on cost and availability. The appearance will change, but the imprint will always identify the drug and dose.

If the imprint does not match what you expect, or if there is no imprint at all, contact your pharmacy right away. Bring the bottle with you so the pharmacist can check the label against what is inside. If there is a mismatch, the pharmacy will replace the medication at no cost to you. This is a common and quick process, and pharmacies handle it regularly.

Reading the Pharmacy Label

Your pharmacy label is the most reliable source of information about your medication. It will show the patient name, the drug name (Flexeril or cyclobenzaprine), the dose (5 mg or 10 mg), the number of tablets, the date filled, the expiration date, and the prescribing doctor's name. It may also include instructions such as "take one tablet three times daily" or warnings such as "may cause drowsiness."

Keep the label on the bottle at all times. If you have questions about your medication, the label gives you the pharmacy's phone number so you can call and speak to the pharmacist. The pharmacist can answer questions about what your tablet should look like, how to take it, and what side effects to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cut a Flexeril tablet in half?

Some Flexeril tablets can be cut in half if your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. However, not all tablets are scored (marked with a line for cutting). If your tablet is not scored, do not cut it — ask your pharmacist for a lower dose instead. Cutting an unscored tablet may cause uneven doses.

What if I received a tablet that looks nothing like what I expected?

Check the pharmacy label on the bottle first. If the label says cyclobenzaprine or Flexeril at the dose you were prescribed, the tablet is likely correct — it may just be a different generic version. If the label does not match your prescription, call the pharmacy when ready and ask them to verify what you received.

Are there any Flexeril tablets that are not round?

Brand-name Flexeril tablets are round, but some generic versions may be oval or oblong. The shape does not affect how the medication works. What matters is the imprint, which will identify the drug and dose. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist to confirm the shape and imprint match your prescription.

How long do Flexeril tablets stay good after the expiration date?

Do not take Flexeril tablets after the expiration date on the bottle. The expiration date is set by the manufacturer and the pharmacy to may support the medication is safe and effective. After that date, the potency may decrease or the tablet may break down. Discard expired tablets at a pharmacy or follow your local medication disposal guidelines.