PARACETAMOL:
Central action via COX 3 inhibition which is associated with decreased brain PGE2 levels. It also modulates endogenous cannabinoid system
MORPHINE:
Morphine work by stimulating presynaptic Gi-protein-coupled MOP and KOP opioid receptors. Binding of the ligand causes the following events:
> Closure of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels
> Decreased cAMP production
> Stimulation of K+ efflux from the cell
> Hyperpolarisation of the cell membrane.
> This leads to decreased excitability of the cell and therefore decreased neurotransmitter release and pain transmission