phenacetin

[fuh-nas-i-tin]

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solid, C 1 0 H 1 3 NO 2 , used in medicine chiefly as an agent for checking or preventing fever or for relieving pain: withdrawn because of unfavorable side effects.

phenacetin

/ 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 Because of its kidney toxicity it has been superseded by paracetamol.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

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenacetin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenacetin¹

C19: from _phenetidine + _acetyl + _-in

Example Sentences

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

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"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."

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For the headaches, phenacetin, alone or in combination with caffein and bromide of sodium, may be tried.

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

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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.

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