Products
No drugs containing acetanilide are approved in many countries. Antifebrin is no longer on the market. Acetanilide was among the first synthetic analgesics. It was synthesized in the 19th century. Its pharmacological properties were accidentally discovered in the late 1880s.
Structure and properties
Acetanilide (C8H9NO, Mr = 135.3 g/mol) exists as a white, odorless, crystalline powder with a faint burning taste that is soluble primarily in hot water. It is an acetylated aniline that can be synthesized from aniline and acetic acid. Acetanilide is structurally closely related to paracetamol, to which it is metabolized as a prodrug (= 4-hydroxyacetanilide or p-hydroxyacetanilide).
Effects
Acetanilide has analgesic and antipyretic properties.
Indications
Formerly used to treat pain and fever of various causes (obsolete).
Adverse effects
Acetanilide is no longer used because of its adverse effects. It can cause methemoglobinemia and cyanosis, among other adverse effects. Acetanilide has been replaced by acetaminophen, which is better tolerated.
