Two of the most common over-the-counter painkillers used by Americans may be fueling the superbugs that contribute to antibiotic resistance.
A new study from researchers at the University of South Australia found that ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) promote antibiotic resistance. Moreover, when used together, the effect is amplified compared to when used individually.
The researchers conducted lab tests with E. coli and ciprofloxacin, a commonly administered antibiotic. When E. coli was exposed to ciprofloxacin alongside ibuprofen and paracetamol (the generic name for Tylenol in Australia), the over-the-counter medications significantly increased genetic mutations in the bacteria, which made the E. coli highly resistant to ciprofloxacin and other types of antibiotics.
The findings are particularly alarming, given the rising concern over antibiotic resistance, an issue that the World Health Organization deems one of the leading global public health threats.
In 2019, drug-resistant bacteria were directly linked to the loss of 1.27 million lives and associated with nearly five million deaths. Some estimates suggest that antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related deaths could reach almost 40 million over the next 25 years.
“This doesn’t mean we should stop using these medications, but we do need to be more mindful about how they interact with antibiotics — and that includes looking beyond just two-drug combinations,” Associate Professor Rietie Venter, the study’s lead author, said in a press release.
Venter suggests that healthcare providers may want to reevaluate medication schedules in high-risk settings, such as nursing homes.
“This study is a clear reminder that we need to carefully consider the risks of using multiple medications – particularly in aged care where residents are often prescribed a mix of long-term treatments,” said Venter.