Molecular docking, dynamics simulation and ADMET prediction of Acetaminophen and its modified derivatives based on quantum calculations

Paracetamol or acetaminophen is a medication commonly used in pain and fever. It is typically used for mild to moderate pain relief. It can produce selective inhibition to the prostaglandin synthesis. We envisage the density functional theory (DFT) with B3LYP/6-31G+(d,p) basis set to optimize the newly modified derivatives. Thermodynamic properties, molecular orbital features, dipole moment, atomic partial charge and electrostatic potential have been calculated in order to compare their physicochemical and biological properties. Molecular docking, nonbonding interactions, and dynamics simulation have been performed against prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) synthase protein 5F19 to investigate their binding affinity, binding modes, and stability of the protein-drug complex. ADMET prediction has been utilized to compare the absorption, metabolism, and carcinogenic properties of new derivatives with parent drug (PCT). From physicochemical data, all modified structures are thermodynamically stable; most of them are chemically more reactive and show better binding affinity than the parent drug. ADMET calculations predict the improved pharmacokinetic properties of modified derivatives. Based on physicochemical, docking, dynamics simulation and ADMET prediction results, this study can be helpful to design a new analgesic and antipyretic drug.