Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can fuel antibiotic resistance, warns the study

A new surprising study warns that two of the most common over -the -counter analgesics in America, ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), can have an unexpected role in one of the most urgent public health crises in the world.

Daily pain relievers fuel the superbactus that contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Researchers from the University of South Australia have carried out laboratory tests with E. coli and ciprofloxacin, a common antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections.

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They found that ibuprofen and paracetamol (the generic name of Tylenol in Australia) result not only resistance to antibiotics when used individually, but amplifier when used together.

“It is well known that antibiotic’s overuse leads to resistance,” Fox News Digital, principal medical analyst of Fox News, Dr. Marc Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

Two of the most common over -the -counter analgesics in America, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can play an unexpected role in one of the most urgent public health crises in the world. (istock)

It has already been shown that the use of current pain relievers (NSAIDs) and antidepressants can cause antibiotic resistance.

In the new research, when E. coli was exposed to ciprofloxacin alongside ibuprofen and paracetamol – both alone and especially when combined – pain relievers have considerably increased genetic mutations in bacteria.

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These mutations made E. coli very resistant to ciprofloxacin and other types of antibiotics.

“Resistance to antibiotics is no longer a question of antibiotics,” said Associate Professor Rietie Ventier, the main author of the study, in a press release, highlighting the impact of drugs beyond antibiotics.

The World Health Organization designates resistance to antimicrobials (AMR) as one of the main global public health threats. (istock)

The study highlights a concern in contexts where it is common to administer several drugs, such as healthcare establishments for the elderly.

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Residents often receive combinations of pain relievers, sleeping pills, decongestants and other drugs, many of which were included in the study. In this type of environment, there is an increased risk of resistant superbacient, warn experts.

The World Health Organization designates resistance to antimicrobials (AMR) as one of the main global public health threats.

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In 2019, medicine -resistant bacteria were directly responsible for 1.27 million dead and were associated with nearly five million people.

If the current trend continues, the projections suggest that deaths related to the AMR could increase to almost 40 million in the next 25 years.

Rather than stopping medication, researchers urge people to be aware of their combinations. (istock)

“This does not mean that we should stop using these drugs, but we must be more aware of how they interact with antibiotics – and this includes a look beyond the combinations of two drugs,” said the press release.

In high-risk contexts such as seniors, healthcare providers may want to re-examine drug schedules and consider safer alternatives, he suggests.

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To help brake AMR, experts recommend avoiding unnecessary prescriptions and take full courses if necessary.

Fox News Digital contacted the manufacturers of Tylenol and Advil to comment.