phenacetin

American  

[fuh-nas-i-tin] / fəˈnæs ɪ tɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a white, slightly water-soluble, crystalline solid, C 1 0 H 1 3 NO 2 , used in medicine chiefly as an agent for checking or preventing fever or for relieving pain: withdrawn because of unfavorable side effects.

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phenacetin British  

/ fɪˈnæsɪtɪn /

noun

1. Also called: acetophenetidin.  a white crystalline solid formerly used in medicine to relieve pain and fever. Because of its kidney toxicity it has been superseded by paracetamol. Formula: CH 3 CONHC 6 H 4 OC 2 H 5

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Etymology

Origin of phenacetin

First recorded in 1885–90; phen(etidine) + acet(yl) + -in ²

Example Sentences

Concerns about its potential link to cancer come from its relationship to another drug: phenacetin.

From Seattle Times

"But the ingredient that was doing that was a thing called phenacetin, which gave you the buzz and got you addicted and also destroyed your kidneys."

From BBC

The power of phenacetin on a feverish patient seems to him far more astonishing.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no doubt that the salicylates will relieve the pain almost at once, but so will any other coal-tar product and phenacetin, acetanilid or even antipyrin may be used with good effect.

From Project Gutenberg

His wealth of tinned provisions and whiskey lay in the shop comparatively disregarded, but he did a roaring trade in phenacetin and Stearne's headache cure among the mountain sick.

From Project Gutenberg