ACETOPHENETIDIN

also called phenacetin white crystalline compound, an aniline derivative that is used as a mild analgesic. This drug, which has antipyretic (fever-reducing) as well as analgesic (pain-reducing) effects, may be used alone or in combination with aspirin and either caffeine or codeine; such combinations are called APC mixtures. Because of the possible kidney damage that may be caused by high doses and prolonged use of acetophenetidin, aspirin is sometimes used as a substitute, even though the latter may cause some gastrointestinal irritation.