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paracetamol (paracetamol, EFVDAS)

✓ Approved

Elan · PTGS1 · Small Molecule

What is paracetamol?

paracetamol is a small molecule developed by Elan. It is approved for therapeutic indications via oral (po).

Drug Profile

Brand Namesparacetamol, EFVDAS
CompanyElan
Drug ClassSmall Molecule
Molecular TargetPTGS1, PTGS2
RouteOral (PO)
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Elan

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targets

paracetamol acts on 2 molecular targets:

PTGS1prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1 (COX3, PCOX1)
PTGS2prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (GRIPGHS, hCox-2)
Want deeper analysis?Noah AI can explain complex mechanisms and compare to similar drugs.

Therapeutic Indications

paracetamol is developed for 1 unique indication across 1 therapeutic area.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Gastrointestinal disordersAbdominal pain✓ Approved

Related Research Articles

PubMedAnalytical and bioanalytical chemistry2026-07-15

Improving detection of low-abundant pharmaceuticals and neurotransmitters via quadrupole isolation in MALDI mass spectrometry imaging.

Vargas Karina A KA, Diez Sarah S, Becker Michael M, Neumann Elizabeth K EK

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) is a powerful tool for mapping the spatial distribution of pharmaceuticals and metabolites in tissue. However, its effectiveness in the low-mass range (< 400 m/z) is impacted by matrix interference and ion suppression, reducing signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios. To address this challenge, we assessed a targeted quadrupole isolation strategy using a MALDI q-TOF mass spectrometer. This approach selectively isolates narrow windows around individual analytes m/z to reduce background noise and enhance S/N, therefore generating a smaller selective ion packet to the TOF analyzer. We applied this method to detect acetaminophen, paracetamol sulfate, caffeine, paraxanthine, as well as dopamine and its metabolites (HVA, 3-MT, and DOPAC) within murine liver and brain tissue sections, respectively. We utilized a range of isolation windows (e.g., 1, 5, 10, 20, 100 m/z) around each target m/z value. This dynamic isolation significantly decreased chemical background without fragmenting the target ions. As a result, we achieved precise spatial localization of parent drugs and their metabolites. Compared to untargeted acquisition, this method improved S/N by over 50% for all analytes within ≤10 m/z isolation ranges, while preserving tissue morphology. This targeted isolation approach extends the capabilities of MALDI MSI and offers a robust and scalable solution for analyzing low-mass xenobiotics and metabolites in situ.

PMID 42448886
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PubMedGraefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie2026-07-15

Bromfenac versus nepafenac for pain management following transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy.

Achiron Asaf A, Kagasov Shmuel S, Barequet Irit I, Klinghoffer Ben B et al.

To compare the efficacy of two topical NSAID eye drops, Bromfenac and Nepafenac, in reducing postoperative pain following transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (t-PRK). A total of 119 patients undergoing bilateral t-PRK were divided into three groups: Nepafenac (n = 40), Bromfenac (n = 40), or control (n = 39). Nepafenac 0.1% three times daily or Bromfenac 0.07% twice daily, initiated two days preoperatively and continued for three days postoperatively. The control group received systemic paracetamol (500 mg) and ibuprofen (150 mg) tablets as needed. Overall, both Nepafenac and Bromfenac groups showed significantly lower mean pain levels compared with control group (mean difference = -2.77; 95% CI: -3.63 to - 1.91; p < 0.001, and mean difference = -2.22; 95% CI: -3.01 to -1.43; p < 0.001, respectively). Bromfenac was significantly superior to control only on days 1, 3, and 4. No statistically significant difference in mean pain levels was observed between Bromfenac and Nepafenac groups (mean difference = -0.55; 95% CI: -1.45 to 0.35; p = 0.234). While Nepafenac showed better early symptom control in pain and discomfort (stinging, tearing and light sensitivity), particularly in the first two postoperative days, Bromfenac had a better effect on ocular discomfort in the later postoperative phase on days 4 and 5. Both demonstrated comparable overall tolerability compared to the control. Both Nepafenac and Bromfenac significantly reduced postoperative pain following t-PRK compared to systemic analgesia. These findings support the use of topical NSAIDs in optimizing post-PRK pain management.

PMID 42455136
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PubMedBritish journal of clinical pharmacology2026-07-15

Ibuprofen vs. acetaminophen for acute mild-to-moderate pain management: A systematic review and meta-analysis of safety with a focus on paediatric populations.

Marseglia Gian Luigi GL, Marchisio Paola Giovanna PG, Milani Gregorio Paolo GP, Miraglia Del Giudice Michele M et al.

The purpose of this study is to compare the safety of ibuprofen and acetaminophen (paracetamol) for acute mild-to-moderate pain in children and adolescents through a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 2026 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in patients aged 0-18 years that reported safety outcomes. RCTs enrolling adult or mixed-age populations in acute pain settings were also considered eligible when paediatric-relevant safety data could be extracted. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. Primary outcomes were total adverse events (AEs), gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic and bleeding events. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2. Random-effects meta-analyses were expressed as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Fifteen studies (2847 patients) were included across postoperative pain, musculoskeletal trauma, orthodontic pain and emergency department settings, with follow-up ranging from single-dose assessments to 12 months. Three studies, including 937 participants, contributed to the primary meta-analysis of any adverse event. Ibuprofen was not associated with a statistically significant difference in the risk of any adverse event compared with acetaminophen (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.36-1.79; I2 = 2.9%). No serious renal or hepatic adverse events were reported. Available RCT evidence did not show a clear difference in short-term safety between ibuprofen and acetaminophen in paediatric and acute pain populations; however, the certainty of the evidence is limited. Patient factors and clinical context should guide drug choice. Larger RCTs with standardized safety reporting are needed.

PMID 42448615
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PubMedActa paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)2026-07-14

EBNEO Commentary: Prophylactic Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus With Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Lantz Megan M, Moore Moira M, Wright Clyde J CJ, Woodle Alexandra A

Graphical abstract summarizing the randomized controlled trial of prophylactic acetaminophen (paracetamol) for patent ductus arterosus (PDA) in extremely preterm infants.

PMID 42446492
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PubMedCancer epidemiology2026-07-14

Identifying carcinogenic hazards among pharmaceutical agents: An update from the IARC Monographs programme.

Pasqual Elisa E, Kunzmann Andrew A, Rezende da Silva Julia J, de Conti Aline A et al.

We aim to review the evaluation of pharmaceuticals classified as human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs programme (1971-2024) and the recommended evaluation priorities (2024-2029) for pharmaceuticals. This work aims to stimulate epidemiological research that can contribute to human cancer and mechanistic evidence for cancer hazard identification. Data on cancer in humans or experimental animals, and mechanistic evidence, for pharmaceuticals evaluated as IARC Group 1, 2 A, and 2B (carcinogenic, probably carcinogenic, and possibly carcinogenic to humans, respectively) between 1971 and 2026 were extracted from published IARC monographs. Pharmaceuticals given high priority for evaluation by the IARC Monographs Advisory Group for the period 2025-2029 were summarised, highlighting available data in human cancer or mechanistic studies. 77 pharmaceuticals have been evaluated as Group 1 (n = 24), 2 A (n = 13), or 2B (n = 40). 22 pharmaceuticals were recommended with high priority for evaluation, including 8 antineoplastic, 4 hormonal, and 2 immunosuppressant agents. The IARC Advisory Group gave high priority for evaluation to several commonly used pharmaceuticals, including several treatments in cancer patients (anthracyclines, cisplatin, textured implants), highlighting evidence of increased haematological and solid malignancies; GLP-1 agonists; paracetamol; progestogen-only contraceptives; and clomiphene citrate. Evidence from studies conducted in humans with cancer or mechanistic endpoints largely contributed to this prioritisation. Pharmacoepidemiology data with cancer or mechanistic endpoints can largely contribute to cancer hazard identification of pharmaceuticals within the IARC Monographs programme. These data can inform policy decision-making for patients and workers protection.

PMID 42447522
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PubMedBMC immunology2026-07-14

Efficacy of the combination of antimicrobial therapy with immunomodulators in the management of immunological female infertility due to anti-sperm antibodies associated with bacterial vaginosis during unexplained infertility: double-blind factorial randomised controlled trial.

Maindo Alongo Mike-Antoine MA, Batina Agasa Salomon S, Labama Otuli Noël N, Juakali Sihalikyolo Jean-Jeannot JJ et al.

Unexplained infertility (UI) is a subject of major concern in reproduction and can be associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and/or antisperm antibodies (ASA), yet therapeutic strategies for these conditions in resource-limited settings are poorly defined. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of immunomodulators compared with placebo following antimicrobial therapy among infertile women with UI linked to ASA and BV. This double-blind, 2 × 3 factorial randomised controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 123 women with UI, positive ASA, and BV were randomised to receive either metronidazole alone or combined antimicrobial therapy (metronidazole, clotrimazole, and clindamycin) for Factor 1, followed by prednisolone, zinc acetate, or placebo (paracetamol 100 mg) for Factor 2. The primary outcome was time to clinical pregnancy within six months, analysed in the modified intention-to-treat population as a time-to-event endpoint using Kaplan-Meier methods, the log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards models. The study protocol was initially approved by the provincial health district ethics committee (701/FBL/DPS/TSHOPO/SEC/0173/2023). The trial has been retrospectively registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry on 08 October 2024 under the identifier PACTR202410672612184. Among 123 participants, immunomodulators significantly increased clinical pregnancy rates compared with placebo (38.55% vs. 12.5%; aHR = 3.43 [1.34-8.81]; p = 0.010). Adjusted analyses showed significantly higher pregnancy rates for both zinc acetate (40.48%; aHR 3.46 [1.27-9.40]; p = 0.012) and prednisolone (36.59%; aHR 2.75 [1.01-7.68]; p = 0.027) compared with placebo, with no significant difference between the two active agents (p = 0.623). Combined antimicrobial therapy was superior to metronidazole alone in achieving therapeutic BV cure at visit 2 (58.06% vs. 37.7%; RR 1.52 [1.04-2.22]; p = 0.023) and, at the margins of the factorial design, was associated with a higher cumulative conception rate (aHR 2.20 [1.09-4.43]; p = 0.027). The Factor 1 × Factor 2 interaction was not statistically significant (likelihood-ratio p = 0.59). While the overall incidence of adverse events was comparable between zinc (16.67%) and prednisolone (21.95%) (p = 0.541), zinc acetate was associated with significantly higher patient-reported tolerance (p = 0.007). Sequential treatment involving combined antimicrobial therapy followed by immunomodulation significantly improves clinical pregnancy rates in women with UI associated with BV and ASA. Zinc acetate offers an effective and better-tolerated alternative to prednisolone for this indication.

PMID 42443734
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