Indicator, Reagent, or Diagnostic Aid
phenolphthalein Audio
phe·nol·phthal·ein [ fee-nawl-thal-een, -ee-in, -fthal-, -nol- ]
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ChemID; DrugBank; DailyMed; PDR
Definitions related to phenolphthalein:
  • An acid-base indicator which is colorless in acid solution, but turns pink to red as the solution becomes alkaline. It is used medicinally as a cathartic.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • An organic compound used as a laboratory reagent and pH indicator. Phenolphthalein exerts laxative effects by stimulating the intestinal mucosa and constricting smooth muscles. However, phenolphthalein is no longer used as a laxative due to the suspected carcinogenicity of this compound.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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