Color, shape, and imprint help identify prescription medications to ensure safety. The 230 yellow round pill is commonly associated with Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride (Percocet), a narcotic opioid pain reliever, and Oxymorphone Hydrochloride Extended-Release (Opana ER), though other pills with similar descriptions may exist. Identification should be confirmed with a pill identifier or medical professional.
One of the most common of these options is Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride or Percocet, a narcotic opioid pain reliever. If you are unsure what you’re taking or did not receive the medication directly from a physician or pharmacy, consult a medical professional before taking it.
The 230 Yellow Round Pill: What Could It Be?
According to Drugs.com, the following pills match the description of yellow and round with 230 imprinted on them:[1]
- Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestimate: 0.035 mg / 0.215 mg of an oral tablet contraceptive.
- Bisacodyl (230 print, not imprint): 5 mg of a laxative.
- Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride (C 230, Endocet, Nalocet, Percocet, Primlev, Roxicet, Xartemis XR): 325 mg / 10 mg of a narcotic analgesic or pain reliever.
- Oxymorphone Hydrochloride Extended-Release (Numorphan HCl, Opana, Opana ER): 40 mg of opioids or narcotic analgesics.
- Trandolapril: 2 mg of an enzyme inhibitor.
Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride Drug Facts
Percocet is a combination medication prescribed for severe and chronic pain. It is partly an opioid pain reliever or analgesic and partly a mild pain reliever and fever-reducing agent.[2]
Percocet’s 230 yellow round pill is identified as the 10-325 mg formulation of Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride. The pill is marked with ‘C 230’ to indicate its specific manufacturer and dosage. Percocet is the original and brand-name formulation of this medication, though other brands have also been produced, in addition to generic acetaminophen and oxycodone formulations.
Oxycodone, a component of Percocet, is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for misuse and addiction. Oxycodone is a central nervous system depressant that influences neurons in the brain to reduce the experience of pain.[3]
There are many dosage amounts and forms available for oxycodone and acetaminophen, from 2.5 mg / 325 mg to 10 mg / 300 or 325 mg. The 325 mg refers to the acetaminophen dose, which remains the same. At the same time, the range of oxycodone ranges depending on the needs of the patient, the type of pain being treated, and the discretion of their healthcare professional.
The FDA has approved immediate-release oxycodone to treat chronic moderate-to-severe pain when alternative pain management strategies have proven ineffective.[4] Extended-release formulas are intended to help patients manage severe pain for a long period when the pain cannot feasibly be addressed in any other way. However, due to the high possibility of
Side Effects of Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride?
As a central nervous system depressant and opioid medication, oxycodone is similar to many other opioid medications and is associated with several adverse effects, including:[5]
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Heart palpitations
- Slow heartbeat
- Low circulation
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Skin rashes
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Sedation
- Seizures
- Coughing
Are acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride Addictive?
Yes, oxycodone can be. Central nervous system substances and prescription drugs for pain alter the natural function of the brain, leading to functional and structural changes in how it works.[6] This makes it increasingly difficult to stop using opioid substances despite adverse effects and lifestyle challenges.
Oxymorphone Hydrochloride Drug Facts
Oxymorphone is a synthetic opioid pain reliever that interacts with opioid receptors to reduce the experience of chronic pain or is prescribed as a pre-operative sedative. Oxymorphone is derived from morphine but can be as much as 10 times more potent in the oral form.[7]
This opioid substance is a central nervous system depressant that alters natural functioning and can influence misuse or addiction. Like the Percocet formula, oxymorphone is a Schedule II controlled substance. One of the brand names for the 230 yellow round pill formulation was Opana ER, an extended-release formula discontinued in the U.S.[8]
Side Effects of Oxymorphone Hydrochloride
Most opioid medications will have similar adverse effects, and those associated with oxymorphone hydrochloride include: [9]
- Blurry vision
- Breathing changes
- Confusion
- Tightness in the chest
- Headache
- Dry mouth and thirst
- Urinary tract issues
- Lightheaded
- Appearance of sunken eyes
- Rapid heart rate
- Nervousness
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Swollen extremities
- Tiredness
- Wrinkled skin
Drug data for oxymorphone reveals that serious, life-threatening, and potentially fatal respiratory issues can occur when taking the Opana ER formulation of oxymorphone, especially when misused by crushing, chewing, dissolving, or injecting the opioid.[10] It is possible to ingest a potentially fatal dose of oxymorphone ER tablets when misused in this way due to the rapid release and absorption.
Is Oxymorphone Hydrochloride Addictive?
Yes, all opioid agonists have the potential to lead to misuse, dependence, and addiction. Even though the Opana ER has been discontinued, it may still be obtained illicitly. Oxymorphone can be misused in similar ways to other opioid agonists, both ones prescribed legally and those obtained illicitly.
Identifying The 230 Yellow Round Pill: Could It Be A Fake Prescription Pill?
The FDA requires that all prescription medications have unique identification markers to ensure patient safety and enhance pharmacist accuracy. Counterfeit pills are widely available and may try to mimic some of those markers.
The danger is in the irregular formulation. As these pills are unregulated, they contain unknown mg of oxycodone, oxymorphone, or other substances like fentanyl. The DEA reports that 40% of pills with fentanyl in them contain a potentially lethal dose.[11]
Unfortunately, fake pills are easy to get. Safe prescription medications and pharmaceuticals are available through healthcare professionals only. If your pill was obtained in any other way, it could contain overly high doses of opioids or other substances.
Can I identify a pill by its color and shape alone?
Use a pill identifier like the one available on Drugs.com. Enter the color, shape, and exact pill imprint, such as ‘C 230,’ to see all possible matches. Alternatively, search for the drug you think it is or that it should be and see what images come up as a match. If you’re ever in doubt, take your medications to a law enforcement or healthcare facility and ask for help.
Identifying Opioid Use Disorder: What Are The Signs & Symptoms?
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, you’re not alone. Opioid and narcotic medications are prescribed as viable treatment options but can have devastating long-term outcomes. Long-term opioid use leads to functional and structural brain changes, making it difficult to manage opioid use. Some of the signs and symptoms associated with opioid use disorder include:[12]
- Someone who experiences cravings for opioid substances
- Someone who is consumed with thoughts of opioids
- Someone who cannot stop or control opioid use
- Someone who experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop or reduce opioid use
Get Help For Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder can feel overwhelming and scary. It may be hard to picture your life without substances your body and brain have come to rely on. Hope and healing are available for you with evidence-based treatment and compassionate support. Reach out today to learn more about the process of recovery.
