phenacetin
noun
phen·ac·e·tin
fi-ˈna-sə-tən 
: a white crystalline compound C10H13NO2 formerly used to ease pain or fever but withdrawn because of its serious side effects
called also acetophenetidin
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The most common active ingredient in cold pills at this time was phenacetin, banned in 1983 as a carcinogen and for damaging kidneys.
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David Reamer, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Apr. 2020
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David Reamer, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Apr. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Phenacetin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenacetin. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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phenacetin
noun
phen·ac·e·tin
fi-ˈnas-ət-ən
: a compound C10H13NO2 formerly used to ease pain or fever but now withdrawn from use because of its link to high blood pressure, heart attacks, cancer, and kidney disease
called also acetophenetidin
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