Overview

• University of South Australia scientists reported in npj Antimicrobials and Resistance that E. coli exposed to ciprofloxacin with ibuprofen or paracetamol developed more mutations and higher resistance than with the antibiotic alone.
• The combined use of ibuprofen and paracetamol amplified the resistance effect and was associated with cross-resistance to multiple antibiotic classes.
• Genetic analyses indicated activation of bacterial defense mechanisms, including increased efflux activity that reduces antibiotic efficacy.
• The team evaluated nine widely used medicines common in elderly care, highlighting concerns for residents on long-term polypharmacy regimens.
• Authors caution against stopping common analgesics, calling for surveillance and clinical studies, while noting no immediate changes to public guidance.