Could Common Pain Relievers Drive Antibiotic Resistance?
Recent research from the University of South Australia suggests that common over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can contribute to antibiotic resistance, especially when used together. Although these medications aren’t antibiotics themselves, when combined with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, they elicited increased mutations in E. coli bacteria, making the microbes not only resistant to ciprofloxacin but also to other antibiotics from different classes.
This is particularly concerning in nursing homes and similar facilities, where residents often take, or are given multiple medications, creating conditions that may accelerate bacterial resistance. The study’s lead researcher emphasizes that antibiotic resistance is influenced by more than just antibiotics, urging a reassessment of how drug combinations are prescribed and dispensed, especially in long-term care.
Try this recipe today: Tofu & Beet Greens
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