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solid, C 1 0 H 1 3 NO 2 , used in medicine chiefly as an agent for checking or preventing fever or for relieving pain: withdrawn because of unfavorable side effects.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 Because of its kidney toxicity it has been superseded by paracetamol.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

The researchers found that women who took phenacetin regularly had an increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease; they were also more likely to die from urologic or kidney disease.

From Time Magazine Archive

Chronic users of acetominophen, a close chemical relative of phenacetin, may also have cause for concern.

From Time Magazine Archive

It was also less conspicuous when he tested phenacetin alone, and still less so with medicinal caffeine.

From Time Magazine Archive

Dr. Prescott's conclusion: phenacetin alone is not the primary villain in analgesic kidney damage.

From Time Magazine Archive

These true "patent medicines" are generally artificial products of chemical manufacture, such as phenacetin.

From The Home Medical Library, Volume II (of VI) by Winslow, Kenelm