Duggan and Scott (2009) claim that paracetamol
inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandin, which stimulates the inflammatory response. This leads to swelling and pressure on nerve endings causing pain.Prostaglandin synthesis occurs when arachidonic acid reacts with the oxidised form of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase and, by hindering the oxidation of cyclo-oxygenase, paracetamol renders it less effective and therefore provides pain relief.