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Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic medication.
Its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed to work primarily in the central nervous system (CNS). Paracetamol inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), particularly COX-2, reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals involved in pain and fever. Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol has minimal effects on peripheral COX enzymes, which accounts for its lack of significant anti-inflammatory effects.
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Prostaglandin Inhibition | Paracetamol inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, particularly COX-2, in the central nervous system. This reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. This inhibition is thought to be a key factor in the analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects of paracetamol. |
| Serotonergic Pathway Activation | Paracetamol is believed to activate descending serotonergic pathways in the central nervous system. These pathways play a role in modulating pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals, which may contribute to the analgesic properties of paracetamol. |
| Endocannabinoid System | The metabolite of paracetamol, known as AM404, interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This system is involved in regulating various physiological processes, including pain sensation. The interaction between AM404 and... |
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