Paracetamol, one of the world’s most common painkillers, has long been misunderstood by researchers. Until now, scientists were unsure how it worked beyond just relieving pain in the brain and spinal cord. A new Israeli study from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem has revealed that paracetamol blocks pain at its source by acting on nerve endings in the body.
The researchers used mice and rats to test the drug, which is commonly taken for muscle aches, toothaches, minor arthritis, and other types of pain. They found that paracetamol produces a metabolite called AM404, which works by shutting off specific sodium channels in nerve endings. This stops pain signals from being transmitted.
The study’s findings have significant implications for developing safer and more targeted pain treatments. The researchers believe that a new drug based on AM404 could lead to painkillers with fewer side effects.
Paracetamol is commonly taken in doses of 500mg to 1000mg per day, but taking too much can be toxic. It’s essential to follow the recommended dosage and not take it with other medicines containing paracetamol.
The discovery has sparked excitement among scientists and researchers, who hope that it could lead to new approaches for pain-selective anesthesia. The study’s authors are working towards developing a new drug based on AM404, which they believe could revolutionize pain treatment.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/science/article-858674