The spelling of the word "atophan" may seem unusual, but it follows the orthographic conventions of English. The first syllable "a" is pronounced as /eɪ/ like the "ay" in "say." The following syllable "to" is pronounced as /təʊ/ like the "toe" in "toe the line." The final syllable "phan" is pronounced as /fæn/ like the "fan" in "a ceiling fan." Altogether, "atophan" is pronounced as /eɪ'təʊ.fæn/. It is an obsolete medical term used to refer to a drug called phenylcinchoninic acid used to treat gout and other medical conditions.
Atophan is a term that refers to a substance known as phenylcinchoninic acid, which is an organic compound. It is a drug that was formerly used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of diseases related to uric acid metabolism. Atophan was specifically employed in the management of gout, a rheumatic disorder characterized by the accumulation of excessive uric acid crystals in the joints.
Chemically, atophan belongs to the group of quinoline derivatives. It acts as a uricosuric agent, which means that it increases the elimination of uric acid from the body through the kidneys. By promoting the excretion of uric acid, atophan helps to reduce its concentration in the bloodstream and, consequently, alleviate the symptoms associated with gout attacks, such as pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints.
Despite its historical significance in the management of gout, the use of atophan has greatly declined over the years due to the availability of more effective and safer medications. Furthermore, the development of alternative treatments, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and xanthine oxidase inhibitors, has rendered atophan obsolete in contemporary medical practice.
In summary, atophan is a chemical compound that was previously utilized for the treatment of gout and other uric acid-related disorders. Its primary action is to increase the elimination of uric acid from the body. However, its usage has waned over time, and it is no longer commonly employed in medical treatment due to the availability of more advanced therapeutic options.
Trade name of phenylcinchoninic acid, cinchophen, a compound of phenylquinolin and carbonic acid (C16H11O2N), said to increase greatly the excretion of uric acid; recommended in the treatment of gout and acute rheumatism in doses of gr. 45-75 (3.0-5.0), with sodium bicarbonate 32-4 (8.0-15.0), daily.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "atophan" is derived from the chemical compound called "acetylpheneturide". Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Acetyl: It comes from the term "acetyl", which refers to a chemical group consisting of a carbonyl group (C=O) attached to a methyl group (CH3-). It stems from the Latin word "acetum", meaning "vinegar" or "sour".
2. Phen: This part originates from the term "phenyl", which refers to a chemical group (-C6H5) derived from benzene. Its name is derived from the Greek word "phaino", meaning "shining" or "bright", due to the numerous compounds that produce bright colors containing a phenyl group.
3. Eturide: This suffix refers to the class of compounds known as "ureides", which are derived from urea.