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solid, C 1 0 H 1 3 NO 2 , used in medicine chiefly as an agent for checking or preventing fever or for relieving pain: withdrawn because of unfavorable side effects.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. 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 Because of its kidney toxicity it has been superseded by paracetamol.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 Also calledacetophenetidin

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.

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

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

From Project Gutenberg

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