SALICYLAMIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Salicylamide is a type of organic compound that belongs to the salicylate family. It is derived from salicylic acid and contains an amide group (-CONH2) attached to the aromatic ring.
Chemically, salicylamide is represented by the molecular formula C7H7NO2. It appears as a white crystalline solid with a slight odor. It is sparingly soluble in water but readily dissolves in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and chloroform.
In terms of its medical applications, salicylamide possesses both analgesic (pain relieving) and antipyretic (fever reducing) properties. It has been commonly used in over-the-counter medications to alleviate mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It acts by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers involved in pain and inflammation.
Salicylamide is also known for its mild anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is less effective in comparison to other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
Although salicylamide was once utilized as an analgesic, its use has decreased in recent years due to the availability of safer and more effective pain-relieving options. Moreover, salicylamide has been associated with a higher risk of adverse effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances and rare cases of allergic reactions.
Overall, salicylamide is a salicylate-derived compound with analgesic, antipyretic, and mild anti-inflammatory properties, primarily used in the past for pain relief and fever reduction but currently less common in pharmaceutical applications.
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Obtained by the action of ammonia gas on methyl salicylate; occurs in the form of colorless tasteless scales, soluble in 250 parts of water; antipyretic, analgesic, and antiseptic in doses of gr. 3-5 (0.2-0.3).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SALICYLAMIDE
Etymology of SALICYLAMIDE
The word "salicylamide" has its roots in organic chemistry. Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Salicyl: This portion of the word comes from "salicyl", which is derived from "salicin", a naturally occurring compound found in the bark of willow trees (Salix sp.). Salicin has been used since ancient times for the treatment of pain and fever. The name "salicin" is derived from the Latin word "salix", meaning willow.
2. Amide: The suffix "-amide" indicates the presence of an organic functional group called an amide, which is characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a nitrogen atom (N). The term "amide" is derived from the Latin word "amid", meaning "a derivative of ammonia".
