Phenacetin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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phenacetin
[ˌfɛnəˈsɛtɪn ]
Definition
medical compound
Phenacetin is a synthetic compound that was used as an analgesic and antipyretic. It was commonly utilized to relieve pain and reduce fever until it was discovered to have potential harmful effects, including risks of kidney damage and cancer. Due to these health risks, its use has been largely phased out in many countries and replaced with safer alternatives. Phenacetin was once found in various over-the-counter medications.
Synonyms
acetophenetidin, para-ethoxyacetanilide.
Examples of usage
- The doctor prescribed a medication that contained phenacetin.
- Historically, phenacetin was popular for managing headaches.
- Concerns grew over phenacetin's side effects in the 1980s.
- The formulation was changed to exclude phenacetin due to health warnings.
Translations
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Origin of 'phenacetin'
Phenacetin, also known as acetophenetidin, is an organic compound derived from the acetylation of paracetamol (acetaminophen). It was first synthesized in the late 19th century, around 1878, by the German chemist Heinrich Dreser, who was searching for new analgesics. Phenacetin became widely used in the early 20th century as a pain reliever and fever reducer due to its effectiveness and relatively low cost. Its inclusion in many formulations for pain relief made it a staple in the medical community for decades. However, by the mid-20th century, research began highlighting its association with kidney damage and the development of certain cancers, leading to regulatory scrutiny. As a result, many countries began to ban or restrict its use in over-the-counter medications, paving the way for safer alternatives such as paracetamol. By the end of the 20th century, phenacetin had almost disappeared from the pharmaceutical market.