ChemSparks with Anita

What happens when sodium reacts with water coloured with red litmus?

Let's talk "Effective Student Management", the teacher's survival skill. Check the comments👇 for proven strategies.

The Chemistry Behind How Paracetamol Relieves Pain

Paracetamol (also called acetaminophen) is one of the most common painkillers in the world. I know that you’ve probably taken it for headaches, fever, or menstrual cramps, but do you know what’s really happening in your body when you swallow that tiny tablet?

Let me explain it to you chemically

What causes pain in the first place?

When your body is injured or inflamed, special cells release chemicals called prostaglandins.
These prostaglandins sensitize pain receptors in your nerves, making you feel pain more strongly. They’re produced from a substance called arachidonic acid by an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX)... mainly COX-1 and COX-2.

How does paracetamol work?

Paracetamol doesn’t “kïll” pain directly, instead, it reduces the production of prostaglandins, especially in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).

But here’s the interesting chemistry twist

Unlike drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen that completely block the COX enzymes all over the body, paracetamol acts selectively in the brain by weakly inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 and possibly another form called COX-3 (found mainly in the brain).

By doing this, it:

1. reduces the number of prostaglandins produced in the brain

2. raises the pain threshold, meaning your brain doesn’t interpret mild pain signals as pain anymore

3. lowers body temperature when you have a fever, by acting on the hypothalamus (the brain’s temperature control center)

The molecular chemistry

Chemically, paracetamol’s structure is C₈H₉NO₂. This means that it contains:

A benzene ring (aromatic ring): gives paracetamol stability

A hydroxyl group (-OH) and an amide group (-NHCOCH₃): these groups interact with the COX enzyme’s active site

Metabolism in the liver

When paracetamol enters the body, it’s metabolized mainly in the liver to form safe compounds, but in high doses, it forms a toxic metabolite (NAPQI) that can damage the liver if not neutralized by glutathione.

That’s why an overdose can be dangerous.

In summary,

Paracetamol relieves pain by blocking the brain’s chemical signals (prostaglandins) that make us feel pain and helps reduce fever by resetting the body’s thermostat.

Define isoelectronic ions

On today's episode with my students

We had a class meeting which was hinged on strategies for effective studying in preparation for the external exams ahead of them.

I gave them different strategies they can use to manage their time properly and study effectively so as to create a balance between their study and other social aspects of their lives they pointed out.

They were so happy for the time we had talking about what really mattered to them.

After the whole discussion, one of them raised up her hand to ask a question. Do you know what she asked me?

"Miss Anita, what do you want to be in the future?"... I no go lie you, the question weak me😂

I just smiled and told her that I want to be someone who will continue to leave footprints of knowledge, kindness, and impact wherever life takes me to.

What would have been your response if you were in my shoes?

I can walk on corn starch water because it is a Non-Newtonian liquid. Do you know what Non-Newtonian fluid is?