Antibiotics have saved millions of lives by treating infections that were once deadly. However, bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to these drugs, making some infections much harder to treat.
This growing problem, known as antibiotic resistance, is now considered one of the biggest threats to global health. A new study from the University of South Australia suggests that a surprising factor may be contributing to this crisis: everyday painkillers that millions of people use without thinking twice.
Researchers found that two of the most common over‑the‑counter medicines—ibuprofen and acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol)—may increase the ability of bacteria to resist antibiotics.
Even more concerning, the effect was stronger when both painkillers were used together. The findings were published in the scientific journal npj Antimicrobials and Resistance and are the first to show this type of interaction.
The team studied how these medications affected Escherichia coli, or E. coli, a common bacterium that can cause gut infections and urinary tract infections. They exposed the bacteria to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, which is often used to treat these infections.
When E. coli was exposed to the antibiotic alone, resistance developed slowly. But when ibuprofen or acetaminophen were added, the bacteria developed more genetic changes that helped them survive the antibiotic. When both painkillers were present, the effect became even stronger.
Scientists discovered that the medications triggered defense systems inside the bacteria. These systems allowed the bacteria to pump out the antibiotic and reduce its ability to kill them.
As a result, the bacteria not only became resistant to ciprofloxacin but also showed resistance to several other antibiotics from different classes. This means that the problem could extend beyond a single drug.
The findings are especially important for older adults living in aged care facilities. Many residents take several medications at the same time for chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and sleep problems.
This practice, known as polypharmacy, may unintentionally create conditions that help bacteria adapt and become stronger. Because aged care residents are also more vulnerable to infections, the risk becomes even greater.
The researchers examined several commonly used medications in addition to the painkillers, including drugs for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and sleep.
While not all had the same effect, the results showed that interactions between medications and antibiotics are more complex than previously thought. Antibiotic resistance is not only driven by overuse of antibiotics themselves but may also be influenced by other drugs that change how bacteria respond.
Health experts emphasize that this study does not mean people should stop taking painkillers when needed. These medicines are important for managing pain and fever and are generally safe when used correctly.
Instead, the research highlights the need for doctors and scientists to better understand how different medications interact, especially in people who take multiple drugs over long periods.
The World Health Organization has warned that antibiotic resistance already causes more than a million deaths each year worldwide. If antibiotics become less effective, even routine infections or minor surgeries could become dangerous. This study adds a new piece to the puzzle by showing that everyday medicines may play a hidden role.
In analyzing the findings, it is important to note that the research was conducted in laboratory settings using bacteria rather than in human patients. More studies are needed to confirm how these interactions affect real‑world medical treatment.
However, the results raise serious questions about how medications are prescribed together and suggest that careful monitoring may help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Overall, the research underscores the complexity of antibiotic resistance and the need for a broader approach to solving it. By understanding how common medications influence bacterial behavior, scientists hope to develop better strategies to protect the life‑saving power of antibiotics for future generations.
If you care about pain, please read studies about how to manage your back pain, and Krill oil could improve muscle health in older people.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to live pain-free with arthritis, and results showing common native American plant may help reduce diarrhea and pain.
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