The 411 - Why Pill Bottles Are Almost Always Orange

Pill bottles are almost always orange (or amber) primarily due to practical and safety-related reasons:

1. UV Light Protection

The orange (amber) colour blocks ultraviolet (UV) light, which can degrade some medications.

This helps preserve the chemical stability and effectiveness of the drugs over time.

It’s a balance: the bottles let in enough visible light so you can see the contents, but filter out harmful wavelengths.

2. Visibility of Contents

Unlike opaque containers, amber bottles allow patients and pharmacists to see the pills inside while still providing some light protection.

This helps verify dosage and contents at a glance.

3. Standardisation

Using a common bottle colour makes it easier for pharmacies, healthcare providers, and patients to recognise prescription medications.

It's a form of visual shorthand for “this is a prescription drug container.”

4. Cost and Availability

Orange/amber plastic is cheap and widely manufactured, making it a cost-effective choice for pharmacies and manufacturers.

5. Regulatory Tradition

Many health and safety regulations are built around the use of amber bottles, so manufacturers and pharmacies follow suit to remain compliant.

Some pharmacies or countries may use different colours (like blue, green, or opaque white) for other purposes—like distinguishing between different types of medications (e.g., liquid vs. solid), over-the-counter vs. prescription, or for childproofing visibility.

In short, orange pill bottles are a practical compromise between protection, usability, and cost.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model