What Is Pill Identifier by Drugs.com?

Pill Identifier by Drugs.com is a specialized medical utility designed to assist healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers in identifying medications via imprint, shape, and color. By leveraging a database of over 24,000 Rx/OTC medications, the app positions itself as a professional-grade reference tool for medication safety and verification. Currently, the app occupies a precarious market position. While it benefits from the strong brand equity of Drugs.com, it is struggling with a declining user sentiment trend. Despite recent efforts to integrate AI-based image recognition and a tiered subscription model, the app is currently ranked #34 in its medical category (down 4 spots), reflecting challenges in maintaining user trust and technical performance.

What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.

Frustrated
Utility for Medication Identification
Inaccurate or Outdated Database... Show more

What does it look like?

What are the key features?

Pill Identification DatabaseStandard

Searchable database of over 24,000 Rx/OTC medications by imprint, name, shape, and color.

AI Image RecognitionDifferentiator

Snap a photo or upload an image to identify pills instantly using advanced recognition technology.

Comprehensive Drug InformationStandard

Access to dosage, side effects, manufacturer details, pregnancy category, and CSA schedule.

Pro Edition Offline AccessDifferentiator

Install over 10,000 images locally for use without internet access, including NDC codes and coating details.

What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.

Frustrated

Recent user voice shows a frustrated sentiment. Users appreciate utility for medication identification and safety and verification, but report inaccurate or outdated database and poor search functionality.

What Users Love

Utility for Medication Identification

The app help me identify medications FAST AND QUICK!

I’ve used app several times and it has identified the ‘pill’ I searched for correctly every time.

Safety and Verification

I was able to check the app identify the medicine and not take it and so I am alive to write this review!

This is an accurate tool to use to ensure the meds are legit

Pain Points

Inaccurate or Outdated Database

This medium pink pill is not in your database

I searched for a well known drug called Kenzoflex and no results showed up!

Poor Search Functionality

The filters for shape and color disappear when you type in an imprint

No way to show upper & lower imprints when divided by a line

High confidence · 54 reviews available

How is it ranked?

ChartRankChange
Paid#344
No ranking data for this selection.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

  • Established brand authority
  • Large, peer-reviewed database
  • Clear focus on medication safety

Cons

  • High frequency of 'no match' results
  • Poor search UX
  • Negative value-for-money perception

What is the market outlook?

Growth Opportunities

  • Improve database coverage
  • Refine multi-parameter search UI
  • Enhance Pro tier clinical data

Market Threats

  • Free web-based alternatives
  • AI-native health app competitors
  • Declining app store rankings

What are the key takeaways?

Pill Identifier by Drugs.com is a frustrating medical app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 3.4/5 rating from 151 reviews, it frustrates many users from users. Users particularly appreciate utility for medication identification, though inaccurate or outdated database remains a common concern.

Best for: Healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers who require reliable, quick medication identification and drug information on the go.

How much does it cost?

Model: freemium

Tiers:
Free version with basic searchPro subscription at $9.99/week or $29.99/year

The app utilizes a hybrid monetization model, combining a low-cost legacy paid app (iOS) with modern subscription-based 'Pro' tiers (Android) to capture both casual users and professionals.

iOS Version

2.157

Android Version

1.0.2

Release Date

Oct 21, 2010

iOS Price

$0.99

Android Price

Free

Developer

Drugs.com

Independent intel to help builders create better apps.

No publisher influence. No third-party bias. Built with objectivity in mind to serve the builder community. Reports are continuously improved and refined. For informational purposes only.

Hope this helps & keep building! · Found an error?

Cite this report

Marlvel.ai. “Pill Identifier by Drugs.com Intelligence Report.” Updated Apr 1, 2026. https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/medical/com-drugs-pillidlite

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