Question

What are the mechanisms of actions for paracetamol and indomethacin? (Please include academic references used to answer this question)

Answer 1

Mechanism of action of paracetamol

inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis by inhibiting cox-3 or through an active metabolite influencing cannabinoid receptors.

Prostaglandin H2 synthetase inhibition

central analgesic effect mediated via activation of descending serotonergic pathways

Mechanism of action of indomethacin

Indometacin is a nonspecific and reversible inhibitor of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme, or prostaglandin G/H synthase

inhibition of polymorphonuclear leukocytes motility

uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation in cartilaginous mitochondria