Link Between Common Painkillers and Rising Antibiotic Resistance

Recent research conducted by the University of South Australia has uncovered a concerning link between widely used over-the-counter pain medications—namely ibuprofen and acetaminophen—and the global threat of antibiotic resistance. This groundbreaking study highlights how these common non-antibiotic drugs are not only contributing to resistance when used alone but also amplify bacterial resistance when combined with antibiotics.

In a pioneering investigation, scientists examined their effects on Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterium commonly responsible for infections in the gut and urinary tract. The findings revealed that ibuprofen and acetaminophen significantly increase bacterial mutations that make the bacteria resistant to antibiotics like ciprofloxacin. Even more alarmingly, resistance extended beyond the specific antibiotic, affecting multiple drug classes, and was driven by activation of bacterial defense mechanisms to expel antibiotics.

This research underscores the complex nature of antimicrobial resistance, especially in settings such as aged care facilities where multiple medications are frequently prescribed. Given that resistance contributed to over 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019, understanding new factors that contribute to this trend is crucial.

Associate Professor Rietie Venter emphasizes that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have long been recognized as drivers of resistance, but this study shows that common medications, such as anti-inflammatory and pain relievers, also play a significant role. In aged care, where residents often take various long-term medications, these interactions can promote the development of resistant bacteria.

The findings highlight the need for more comprehensive research into how non-antibiotic drugs influence bacterial evolution and resistance. Healthcare providers should be mindful of medication combinations that could inadvertently foster resistant strains, reinforcing the importance of judicious prescribing practices to combat this escalating global health challenge.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-common-painkillers-linked-antibiotic-resistance.html