acetophenetidin
Quick Summary
Acetophenetidin, also known as phenacetin, is a white crystalline compound that was formerly used as a drug to relieve pain and fever. It was introduced into therapy in 1886 as a fever-reducing agent and later found to be effective for pain relief. However, acetophenetidin was withdrawn from the market due to serious side effects. It is primarily converted in the body to acetaminophen, which has largely replaced it in therapy because it is less likely to cause blood disorders. Acetaminophen is now commonly used for mild to moderate pain and fever, though prolonged or heavy use can lead to liver damage.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
