Have you ever noticed how everyone seems to think they know how paracetamol works? Like it is the simplest medicine ever — and you might be the only one who feels a bit confused? That was exactly me not long ago. But here is a funny truth: nobody really fully understands exactly how paracetamol works. Not even the top scientists. It is still being studied! 😂
So if you have ever felt left out when people talk about this “basic drug,” don’t worry. In this article, I will explain what we do know about paracetamol. By the time you finish reading, you will have a good grasp of how it actually helps you when you are sick.
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What Is Paracetamol Used For?
This one is probably familiar. Paracetamol is used mainly to relieve pain and reduce fever. Chances are you have taken it many times — for headaches, body pains, fever from infections like malaria or flu, or after an injury.
I even had paracetamol given through a drip a few weeks ago when I was fighting a bad malaria fever. Because I also had stomach ulcers, I couldn’t take some other pain medicines like diclofenac, which can upset the stomach. Don’t worry, I will explain why that matters later.
How Does Paracetamol Work?
Here comes the interesting part — the science behind how paracetamol helps bring down fever and ease pain.
When your body is fighting an infection, like malaria, your immune system releases special signalling molecules with long names like IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. These molecules tell your brain’s thermostat — a part called the hypothalamus — to make a chemical called prostaglandin E2, or PGE2 for short.
PGE2 tells your brain to raise your body temperature. So even if you feel hot already, your brain thinks you should be even hotter. That is why you get chills or start shivering. Your body is trying to raise its temperature to fight the infection.
When you take paracetamol — whether as tablets or through an infusion — it stops the production of PGE2. It does this by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, or COX. This enzyme helps make prostaglandins from a fat called arachidonic acid.
Let’s Break It Down a Bit More
I know this sounds a little complex, so let’s take it step by step.
Every cell in your body has a membrane made of fats. When a cell gets infected or injured, it releases arachidonic acid, one of these fats.
Arachidonic acid is then turned into prostaglandins like PGE2 by the COX enzyme. Prostaglandins cause pain, inflammation, and fever.
Paracetamol blocks COX, which means fewer prostaglandins are made. With less PGE2, your brain’s thermostat doesn’t raise your body temperature as much, so your fever comes down.
Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly which type of COX paracetamol blocks. There are two well-known types — COX-1 and COX-2 — but paracetamol might work on a third type, possibly COX-3, found in the brain.
Why Is This Important?
Understanding how paracetamol works can help you use it safely and wisely. For example, paracetamol is gentle on the stomach compared to medicines like diclofenac because it works mainly in the brain rather than in the body tissues.
That means if you have stomach problems or ulcers, paracetamol is often a safer choice.
Quick Summary
Isn’t it amazing that such a common medicine has such an interesting way of working?
Next time someone asks you how paracetamol works, you can say:
Paracetamol reduces fever and pain by blocking the COX enzyme in the brain, which lowers the production of prostaglandin E2, the chemical that raises body temperature and causes pain.
