New York, Sept. 2, 2025 — A groundbreaking study from the University of South Australia warns that over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (paracetamol, Tylenol) may be accelerating the rise of antibiotic resistance—raising fresh alarm amid the global AMR (antimicrobial resistance) crisis.
The Unexpected Culprit in a Global Health Crisis
Researchers found that when ibuprofen or acetaminophen are taken alongside the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, they spark genetic mutations in E. coli—mutations that fuel faster bacterial growth and resistance not just to ciprofloxacin but to multiple antibiotic classes. This is particularly concerning for elderly population in aged-care settings, where polypharmacy—use of multiple medications—is common.
“Antibiotic resistance isn’t just about antibiotics anymore,” says Associate Professor Rietie Venter, lead author of the study.
How the Study Was Conducted
The first-of-its-kind study assessed nine non-antibiotic medications—including diclofenac, furosemide, metformin, atorvastatin, tramadol, temazepam, and pseudoephedrine—in combination with ciprofloxacin and E. coli. While several of these medications increased mutation frequency, ibuprofen and acetaminophen stood out for dramatically boosting antibiotic resistance.
Lab findings show these common drugs activate bacterial defense mechanisms—specifically, efflux pump expression (like AcrAB-TolC)—making bacteria more capable of evading antibiotic attack.
Public Health Implications
WHO data links 1.27 million deaths in 2019 directly to AMR, with nearly 5 million associated fatalities. Other projections estimate deaths could climb to 39–40 million by 2050 if no action is taken. This new study adds a concerning layer: common OTC pain relievers may be unwitting contributors.
Expert Perspective
This initiative underscores the hidden risks of polypharmacy among the elderly. In aged-care, simultaneous administration of painkillers, sleep aids, blood-pressure medicines, and antibiotics can inadvertently nurture resistant bacterial strains.
What You Should Know
- Don’t stop using OTC pain relievers, but exercise caution when they’re taken with antibiotics.
- Healthcare providers should consider reviewing medication regimens—especially for patients on multiple drugs—to mitigate AMR risk.
- Empty awareness doesn’t suffice: renewed emphasis on judicious medication use and multi-drug interaction studies is urgently needed.
Primary News Sources
The Scottish Sun – Taking paracetamol and ibuprofen together quietly fuelling one of the world’s biggest health threats, warn scientists
New York Post – These super common over-the-counter meds are fueling antibiotic resistance: study
Times of India – Common painkillers like Ibuprofen can fuel antibiotic resistance, finds study
University of South Australia (Press Release) – Common painkillers linked to antibiotic resistance
Nature Journal (Scientific Paper) – How non-antibiotic drugs can fuel E. coli resistance
News Medical – How common painkillers drive stronger E. coli resistance
World Health Organization (WHO) – Antimicrobial resistance fact sheet
Reuters – Antibiotic resistance deaths surge: could hit 40 million by 2050
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