Epilepsy Talk

Common painkillers may fuel deadly superbugs that resist antibiotics | September 2, 2025

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

In the United States, more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If the current trend continues, projections suggest that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) related deaths could climb to nearly 40 million over the next 25 years.

Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen are staples in household medicine cabinets and are often considered go-to remedies for headaches, colds, and everyday aches.

However, 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.

How?

By significantly increased bacterial mutations, making E. coli highly resistant to the antibiotic.

“Antibiotics have long been vital in treating infectious diseases, but their widespread overuse and misuse have driven a global rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” UniSA’s Associate Professor Rietie Venter says.

“Antibiotic resistance isn’t just about antibiotics anymore,” Assoc Prof Venter says.

“This study is a clear reminder that we need to carefully consider the risks of using multiple medications .”

“This doesn’t mean we should stop using these medications, but we do need to be more mindful about how they interact with antibiotics — and that includes looking beyond just two-drug combinations,” Venter said in the press release.

To help curb antimicrobial resistance, experts recommend avoiding unnecessary prescriptions and completing full courses when needed.

Researchers are calling for further studies into drug interactions among anyone on long-term medication treatment regimes so we can gain a greater awareness of how common medications may impact antibiotic effectiveness.

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Resources:

https://scitechdaily.com/common-painkillers-like-ibuprofen-could-be-fueling-a-global-health-threat/

https://www.foxnews.com/health/common-painkillers-may-fuel-deadly-superbugs-resist-antibiotics-study-warns

https://unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2025/common-painkillers-linked-to-antibiotic-resistance/

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250826005209.htm

https://www.drugs.com/news/common-pain-meds-acetaminophen-ibuprofen-could-contributing-antibiotic-resistance-126469.html

https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/common-painkillers-linked-to-antibiotic-resistance

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