Which drug's analgesic and antipyretic effects are primarily due to CNS prostaglandin synthesis inhibition?

Which drug's analgesic and antipyretic effects are primarily due to CNS prostaglandin synthesis inhibition?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Ibuprofen
• C. Naproxen
• D. Ketorolac

Answer: (A)

Analgesia and fever relief from acetaminophen come mainly from inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the brain. In fever, prostaglandin E2 in the hypothalamus raises the body's temperature set point; by reducing CNS Prostaglandin synthesis, acetaminophen lowers that set point and resolves fever. Pain relief is also driven by central prostaglandins that amplify nociceptive signaling, so CNS inhibition diminishes pain perception. Unlike typical NSAIDs, acetaminophen has little peripheral anti-inflammatory effect because it does not effectively suppress prostaglandin synthesis outside the CNS. So its standout action is central, rather than peripheral, prostaglandin inhibition.

Analgesia and fever relief from acetaminophen come mainly from inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the brain. In fever, prostaglandin E2 in the hypothalamus raises the body's temperature set point; by reducing CNS Prostaglandin synthesis, acetaminophen lowers that set point and resolves fever. Pain relief is also driven by central prostaglandins that amplify nociceptive signaling, so CNS inhibition diminishes pain perception. Unlike typical NSAIDs, acetaminophen has little peripheral anti-inflammatory effect because it does not effectively suppress prostaglandin synthesis outside the CNS. So its standout action is central, rather than peripheral, prostaglandin inhibition.