USERS BEWARE!!! –
Aug. 28, 2025 – Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are among the most widely used pain and fever remedies, but new findings from the University of South Australia suggest they may be contributing to a global health crisis: antibiotic resistance. In a pioneering study, scientists discovered that each drug on its own can encourage bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics, and when taken together, they appear to intensify this effect.
By examining how these medicines interact with the common antibiotic ciprofloxacin and Escherichia coli (E. coli) – a bacterium often responsible for gut and urinary tract infections – the team observed that ibuprofen and acetaminophen accelerated genetic changes, making the bacteria more resistant not only to ciprofloxacin but also to other types of antibiotics.
According to the researchers, this raises significant concerns for vulnerable groups, especially older adults in residential care facilities where multiple medications are commonly prescribed. The findings highlight the need for greater caution around everyday drug use and its potential role in worsening antibiotic resistance.
