Latin, Acetphenetidinum (Gen., Acetphenetidini; Abbrev., Acet-Phen.)

Eng., Acetphenetidin. Synonym, Phenacetin. Formula, C10H13O2N. A coal-tar derivative.

Form

White scales or white crystalline powder.

Odor And Taste

Almost odorless and tasteless.

1 Ohmann-Dumesnil: Diseases of the Skin.

2 Ohmann-Dumesnil: Diseases of the Skin.

3 Ibid.

O

Solubility

In 1310 parts of water or 15 parts of alcohol. Incompatibles.-Hydrated chloral, iodine, phenol, salicylic acid, and oxidizing agents.

Average Dose

5 grains (0.3 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Analgesic, antipyretic, sedative.

Uses

Extensively employed for the' relief of headache. Used in the treatment of colds,"grip,"tonsillitis, bronchitis, etc., either to relieve pain or reduce temperature or both. Sometimes used for nervousness. It is considered safer than acetanilid.

Administration

Owing to the lack of odor and taste and its limited solubility it is prescribed almost exclusively in capsules or powders.

Acetphenetidin when used alone may be ordered as:

Ft. cht. no. iv.

Sig

One every three hours until relieved.

In the treatment of coryza:

M. ft. cht. no. xij.

Sig

One every two hours.

In the treatment of influenza:

M. ft. cap. no. x.

Sig

One every two hours.

Used in the treatment of influenza:

M. ft. cap. no. xv.

Sig

One every three hours.

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment. 2 Hughes: Practice of Medicine. 3 Ibid

In the treatment of migraine:

M. ft. cap. no. x.

Sig

One every two hours until relieved.