Latin, Acetanilidum (Gen., Acetanilidi; Abbrev., Acetanil.)

Eng., Acetanilid. Synonym, Antifebrin. Formula, C8H9ON. A derivative of aniline.

Form

Shining, crystalline laminae or crystalline powder.

Odor And Taste

Odorless and almost tasteless.

Solubility

In 190 parts of water or in 3.4 parts of alcohol.

Incompatibles

Alkaline bromides and iodides in aqueous solutions, chloroform, hydrated chloral, phenol, resorcin, thymol, spirit of nitrous ether.

1 Anders: Practice of Medicine.

2 Hughes: Practice of Medicine.

3 Ibid.

Average Dose

3 grains (0.2 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Analgesic, antipyretic, antiseptic.

Uses

At one time acetanilid was the principal constituent of most proprietary headache remedies. The present require-ments of the federal and state drug laws and the press campaign against it have now largely restricted its employment in pro-prietaries. Its chief use by the profession is in the treatment of certain forms of headache. Sometimes used to reduce fever and in antiseptic dusting powders and ointments.

Toxicology

Poisoning by the coal-tar antipyretics is usually diagnosed by the history of an excessive amount of headache medicine having been taken. Some of the symptoms are: cya-nosis; cold, moist skin; weak pulse; general depression. There may be a skin eruption. Treatment consists in emptying the stomach and stimulating, usually by ammonia, caffeine, strychnine, etc. The patient should be kept warm.

Administration

Acetanilid is usually prescribed in capsules or powders.

The following illustrates some of the best combinations for administering the drug:

The following has been recommended for headache:

M. ft. cap. no. xij.

Sig

One every half-hour until six (6) are taken.

The remaining capsules may be ordered to be taken every few hours as indicated.

In the treatment of postanesthetic vomiting:

M. ft. cht. no. iv.

Sig

One every two hours when indicated.

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment. 2 Ashton: Practice of Gynecology.

Acetanilid is sometimes ordered in aromatic spirit of ammonia, as in the following, which has been extensively used for headache, nervousness, hiccough, etc., particularly when following alcoholism:

M.

Sig

Two (2) teaspoonfuls in water every two hours until relieved.

This is written in the order in which it should be prepared by the compounder.

Acetanilid is sometimes prescribed in suspension, as in the following, which has been employed in the beginning of colds:

M.

Sig

Tablespoonful in water every three hours until relieved. (Shake-label.)

The preparation does not present a very elegant appearance, but seems clinically of value.

Compressed tablets are kept by pharmacists, containing from 2 to 5 grains of the drug, either alone or with agents, as citrated caffeine, etc. They are often very hard and undesirable.

Acetanilid is sometimes used with other agents in dusting powders, as: ,

M. tere bene.

Sig

Apply as directed.

Some ointments are shown in the following:

In the treatment of erythema:

M.

Sig

Apply thin several times daily.

As a bland ointment in the treatment of comedo:

M.

Sig

Apply as directed.

In the treatment of erythema scarlatiniforme:

M.

Sig

Apply thin on a cloth.