Overview

• In vitro experiments from the University of South Australia, published in npj Antimicrobials and Resistance, show that common analgesics can intensify antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli.
• Exposing E. coli to ciprofloxacin alongside ibuprofen and paracetamol produced more genetic mutations than the antibiotic alone and led to stronger resistance.
• The researchers observed cross-resistance to multiple antibiotic classes and identified mechanisms where the painkillers activated bacterial defenses that expel drugs.
• Nine widely used medicines were assessed, highlighting concerns for long-term polypharmacy in eldercare settings where combined regimens are common.
• The team and public-health voices warn of potential implications for antimicrobial resistance but advise against stopping these painkillers, noting that regulators already recommend the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.