Abstract: An electronic pharmaceutical recognition and identification system is provided along with a method of use. In certain example embodiments a user can take a digital picture of a pharmaceutical with a portable appliance comprising a telephone, then text that picture to a predetermined telephone number, wait a short period of time for a pharmaceutical identification server system to electronically recognize and identify the pharmaceutical in question, and then automatically receive a text message back from the server system that includes various predetermined information regarding the pharmaceutical in question, such as its name, pictures of it, warnings, whether or not a prescription is required, as well as usage and interaction information. Fixed appliances are also provided that can passively interface with a pharmaceutical dispensing system to ensure that the prescribed pharmaceutical is being dispensed.