Indomethacin and paracetamol: interaction with prostaglandin synthesis in the rat stomach.

Using ex vivo incubation of mucosal strips the production of prostaglandins (I2- and E-like PGs) in the rat stomach was demonstrated by bioassay. Indomethacin inhibited this PG synthesis 1 and 4 h after oral drug administration. Paracetamol stimulated the production of PGs when given by itself but could not prevent the inhibitory action of indomethacin. Protection of the stomach by paracetamol against the injuring effect of indomethacin is therefore not due to preservation of the production of protective PGs.