answersLogoWhite

0

Tylenol (paracetamol) has a Wikipedia entry (reference 1). Under "Mechanism of Action," you will find the following:

"Paracetamol has long been suspected of having a similar mechanism of action to aspirin because of the similarity in structure. That is, it has been assumed that paracetamol acts by reducing production of prostaglandins, which are involved in the pain and fever processes, by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme.

However, there are important differences between the effects of aspirin and those of paracetamol. Prostaglandins participate in the inflammatory response, but paracetamol has no appreciable anti-inflammatory action. Furthermore, COX also produces thromboxanes, which aid in blood clotting - aspirin reduces blood clotting, but paracetamol does not. Finally, aspirin and the other NSAIDs commonly have detrimental effects on the stomach lining, where prostaglandins serve a protective role, but paracetamol is safe.

Indeed, while aspirin acts as an irreversible inhibitor of COX and directly blocks the enzyme's active site, paracetamol indirectly blocks COX, and that this blockade is ineffective in the presence of peroxides.[2] This might explain why paracetamol is effective in the central nervous system and in endothelial cells but not in platelets and immune cells which have high levels of peroxides.

In 2002 it was reported that paracetamol selectively blocks a variant of the COX enzyme that was different from the then known variants COX-1 and COX-2.[3] This enzyme, which is only expressed in the brain and the spinal cord, is now referred to as COX-3. Its exact mechanism of action is still poorly understood, but future research may provide further insight into how it works.

A single study has shown that administration of paracetamol increases the bioavailability of serotonin (5-HT) in rats,[4] but the mechanism is unknown and untested in humans."

In other words, it probably works by blocking a COX (cyclooxygenase) enzyme, similar to the action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), like "Aleve."

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Does Tylenol help build muscle?

no


Will Tylenol and Benadryl help hives?

benadryl is one of the popular medications to help treat hives, although im not sure about tylenol


When can you get rid of the pain of an erupting wisdom tooth?

TYLENOL! Tylenol will help ease the pain if it still has pain after the Tylenol then i recommend seeing the doctor asap!


Does Tylenol help plants grow?

yes


How do you help a cat with Tylenol poisoning?

Take it to a vet Immediately!


Is Tylenol 325 stronger than Tylenol 500?

No, Tylenol 500 would be stronger than Tylenol 325. The ending numbers represent their milligrams. Tylenol 500 is Tylenol 500mg. Tylenol 325 is Tylenol 325mg.


What conditions or symptoms does Tylenol effectively treat?

Tylenol is effective in treating conditions such as pain and fever. It can help alleviate headaches, muscle aches, toothaches, and reduce fevers.


How can I use Tylenol for plants to promote their growth and health?

You can use Tylenol for plants by dissolving a small amount in water and applying it to the soil. The active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen, can help reduce stress in plants and promote growth. However, it is important to use Tylenol sparingly and follow proper dosage instructions to avoid harming the plants.


How can you treat your fibromyalgia?

You can use Tylenol or cymbalta. Physical therepy may help along with counseling.


Your spacers hurt what can you do?

You can take Tylenol to help ease the pain, but don't worry, it should go after about three days! I don't know about others, but I know that Tylenol helped me and honey did too! I don't know if it was because I took honey about an hour after taking Tylenol, but my pain eased.


What is Tylenol er?

tylenol er is tylenol extended relief for arthritus pain


Can you give a nine month old Tylenol in between giving them Motrin?

Yes, you can. You can alternate Tylenol (acetaminophen) with Motrin (ibuprofen) every four hours. This can significantly help when trying to fight a fever.