Common Painkillers May Accelerate Antibiotic Resistance, New Research Finds
Amsterdam, Netherlands - Widely used painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol may inadvertently contribute to the growing global crisis of antibiotic resistance, according to new research published by Scientias. The study reveals that combining these common medications wiht antibiotics allows bacteria to develop increased defenses, potentially rendering the antibiotics less effective.
Antibiotic resistance already poses a important threat to public health, linked to nearly 5 million deaths in 2019. While excessive antibiotic use in humans and animals has long been identified as a primary driver, this research indicates that concurrent painkiller use can exacerbate the problem. Specifically, Escherichia coli bacteria demonstrated a heightened ability to develop resistance to ciprofloxacin when exposed to the antibiotic alongside ibuprofen or paracetamol. This finding raises concerns about the potential for increased resistance in settings where multiple medications are frequently used, such as nursing homes.
Researcher Rietie Venter explains that bacteria exposed to ciprofloxacin in combination with the painkillers developed more genetic mutations than those exposed to the antibiotic alone. “Consequently, the bacteria grow faster and become resistant to multiple antibiotics,” Venter stated.
The research does not suggest avoiding painkillers altogether, but highlights the need for increased awareness regarding their combined use with antibiotics. Venter emphasizes the importance of further investigation into the interactions between antibiotics and other long-term medications,particularly in environments with complex medication regimens. The findings underscore that addressing antibiotic resistance requires a broader outlook than solely focusing on antibiotic prescriptions.
