title: [Paracetamol: a promising ancestor].
abstract: More than a century after its discovery, paracetamol remains the most widely used           analgesic around the world. Despite elderly, its beneficial effects (analgesic,           antipyretic), its undesirable effects and its toxicity are an inexhaustible source of           publications. Indeed, mechanisms underlying these actions are unclear. A better           understanding of its analgesic mechanism of action will highlight molecular(s) target(s)           involved in its effect. This will allow the design of more efficient analgesics with equal           safety than paracetamol. Several systems appear to be involved: the serotoninergic system           and the prostaglandin one. Two other endogenous systems presently need to be added: the           cannabinoidergic and vanilloidergic systems. Recent studies reveal a new vision of           paracetamol: a pro-drug which needs to be bio-transformed to exert its analgesic effect.           These new data forebode that paracetamol did not finish surprising us.
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mallet
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Barrière
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eschalier
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen; D000700:Analgesics; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000082:Acetaminophen