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Researchers at the University of South Australia discovered that ibuprofen induced mutations in E. coli, lowering the efficiency of ciprofloxacin, making the bacteria resistant.
Scientists tested nine medications commonly used in residential aged care. (Representative Image)
It is quite common to use painkillers with an antibiotic. But a new scientific study from the University of South Australia has raised red flags that the widely used painkillers like ibuprofen may be leading to antibiotic resistance when taken alongside common antibiotics. The study, led by Associate Professor Rietie Venter, found that ibuprofen (often taken with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin to manage pain and infection) can trigger genetic changes in bacteria, accelerating their resistance to multiple antibiotics.
The combination not only diminishes the antibiotic’s effectiveness but also speeds up bacterial growth, making infections harder to treat.
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What the Research Found
Scientists tested the effects of nine medications commonly used in residential aged care. They are ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory pain relief), diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory to treat arthritis), acetaminophen (paracetamol for pain and fever), atorvastatin (to help lower cholesterol and fats in the blood), tramadol (a stronger pain medication post-surgery), temazepam (used to treat sleeping problems), furosemide (for high blood pressure), metformin (for high sugar levels linked to diabetes), and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant).
The results? Scientists revealed that ibuprofen significantly increased bacterial mutation rates and activated bacterial defence mechanisms, particularly efflux pumps, proteins that flush antibiotics out of the bacterial cell. This biological reaction made the bacteria resistant not only to ciprofloxacin but also to other antibiotic classes.
Why This Matters
Medical experts said that antibiotic resistance is considered one of the top public health threats worldwide. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics is the leading reason behind this problem. The study demonstrates that medication classes beyond antibiotics, such as painkillers including ibuprofen, also play a role in creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
“This is especially prevalent in residential aged care facilities. Older people are frequently prescribed multiple medications—not just antibiotics, but also painkillers, sleep aids, and drugs for blood pressure. This makes it an ideal breeding ground for bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics,” said Associate Professor Venter.
What This Means for Patients and Healthcare Providers
While the study does not suggest patients stop taking ibuprofen or other painkillers, it calls for greater caution when combining medications, particularly during infection treatment. Medical professionals are urged to consider potential drug interactions that may reduce antibiotic performance.
Associate Professor Venter concluded, saying, “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.”
About the Author
Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha…Read More
Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha… Read More
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