Acetanilide was the first anthranilic acid derivative found to possess analgesic as well as antipyretic properties.

Acetanilide was the first anthranilic acid derivative found to possess analgesic as well as antipyretic properties.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not proven
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

This question centers on a historical example of how a chemical class in analgesics and antipyretics was first shown to have dual action. Acetanilide emerged in the late 19th century as one of the earliest synthetic drugs to relieve pain and reduce fever. It is grouped with anthranilate/anilide derivatives, and its simultaneous analgesic and antipyretic effects were identified early, making it the first compound in this class to demonstrate both properties. This pivotal finding helped establish that derivatives of this family could provide two therapeutic actions, paving the way for related drugs such as later anthranilate derivatives. Although acetanilide later revealed safety concerns and fell out of favor, its initial demonstration of both analgesic and antipyretic activity supports the statement.

This question centers on a historical example of how a chemical class in analgesics and antipyretics was first shown to have dual action. Acetanilide emerged in the late 19th century as one of the earliest synthetic drugs to relieve pain and reduce fever. It is grouped with anthranilate/anilide derivatives, and its simultaneous analgesic and antipyretic effects were identified early, making it the first compound in this class to demonstrate both properties. This pivotal finding helped establish that derivatives of this family could provide two therapeutic actions, paving the way for related drugs such as later anthranilate derivatives. Although acetanilide later revealed safety concerns and fell out of favor, its initial demonstration of both analgesic and antipyretic activity supports the statement.