eli5 How does paracetamol work?

Question

eli5 How does paracetamol work?

In: 353

Answer 1

We do not actually know yet in detail, but there are multiple mechanisms of action discussed.

1. A Inhibition of an enzyme called COX. It Transform Arachidonic acid into Prostaglandins (and other products) which are proinflammatoric. Opposite to other NSAIDs there might be a third Isoform of this enzyme involved ; COX-3. To this day there is no proof to this theory.

2. Paracetamol may form a metabolte called “AM404”.
It’s basically Paracetamol bound to an Arachidonic acid.
This metabolite shows similarities to the endogenic Ligand of Cannaboid Receptors which is called Anandamide. So there may be a pain relieving effect from activating the Cannabinoid system.