Ethylnorphenylephrine is a complex word with a challenging spelling. Its phonetic transcription is /ˌɛθəlˌnɔrˌfɛnəˈlɛfrin/ which explains the correct pronunciation of this word. In this transcription, the stressed syllables are marked with a diacritic /ˈ/ (the second syllable in both 'nor' and 'phynel') and the schwa sound is indicated with 'ə'. Ethylnorphenylephrine is a drug that is used to treat hypotension, and its spelling might be difficult to memorize for some people. Nonetheless, learning its phonetic transcription can make pronunciation a lot simpler.
Ethylnorphenylephrine is a noun referring to a synthetic compound that belongs to the class of pharmaceutical drugs known as sympathomimetic amines. It is primarily used as a nasal decongestant due to its vasoconstrictive properties, which help alleviate nasal congestion by shrinking the blood vessels within the nasal passages.
This compound can also be referred to as (-)-Ethyl-p-hydroxy-α-(methylamino)hydrocinnamate or (1R,2S)-2-(3-ethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-(methylamino)propan-1-ol. Its molecular formula is C13H19NO2. Ethylnorphenylephrine is structurally similar to norphenylephrine, but with the addition of an ethyl group bound to the phenyl ring.
In medical settings, ethylnorphenylephrine is often administered topically in the form of nasal sprays or nasal drops. It acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors present in the nasal blood vessels, stimulating them and causing constriction. As a result, blood flow is decreased, and swelling and congestion within the nasal passages are reduced.
Despite its effectiveness as a nasal decongestant, it is important to use ethylnorphenylephrine strictly as directed by a healthcare professional due to the potential for side effects. Common side effects may include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, nervousness, insomnia, and headaches. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as hypertension or cardiovascular diseases, should exercise caution before using products containing ethylnorphenylephrine.
The word "Ethylnorphenylephrine" is a compound name that can be broken down into three parts: "ethyl", "nor", and "phenylephrine".
The prefix "ethyl" is derived from the Old English word "etyl" and the Latin word "aethylum", both meaning "to be full of vigor". It is often used in chemistry to indicate the presence of an ethyl group, which is a two-carbon alkyl chain (an alkyl group derived from ethane).
The prefix "nor" is derived from the Scandinavian word "norr" meaning "north" and is often used to denote that a chemical compound has a structural modification to remove a certain group or atom from the parent compound. In this case, it suggests the removal of a specific group or atom from the compound.
"Phenylephrine" is a pharmaceutical drug and a synthetic compound.