Phenacetinun

"A crystalline substance produced by the action of glacial acetic acid on para-phenetidin, a body obtained from phenol.

Characters. Colourless, tasteless, inodorous, glistening scaly crystals. Melting-point, 2750 F. (135° C). Sparingly soluble in cold water, more freely in boiling water, and in about sixteen parts of rectified spirit." - 1890. Add. to B. P.

A derivative of coal-tar, allied to Acetanilid, introduced as an antipyretic by 0. Hinsberg and Prof. Kast. Whitish crystalline powder, odourless and tasteless. Scarcely soluble in water, soluble in alcohol and acetic acid: in doses of 5 to 15 grains, reduces temperature in fevers.

The French call it Phenedine.

Therapeutics. A safe antipyretic, reducing temperature, with perspiration, but without collapse, soothing pain (as in headache) and giving sleep. Dose 4 to 8 grains, or even 12 grains, suspended in thickened fluids or powders.

Valuable in typhoid fever, and worth a trial in rheumatism, in 4 doses of 15 grains each in one day.

" Excellent in fevers." - Prof. V. Bamberger, Vienna.

"Probably slower in action than Antipyrin and Antifebrin."- Medical News, August, 1887.

Methyl Phenacetin, an allied compound, is an active narcotic, in small doses - Pharm. Journ., 2-8-90.