Common painkillers like Advil and Tylenol supercharge antibiotic resistance | AI News Digest
New research from the University of South Australia reveals that common painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may contribute to antibiotic resistance. The study found that these medications, when used individually or together, significantly increase bacterial mutations in E. coli, making it more resistant to antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin. This finding raises concerns about the risks of polypharmacy, especially in aged care facilities where multiple medications are often prescribed. The World Health Organization has identified antibiotic resistance as a major global health threat, responsible for millions of deaths. Researchers emphasize the need for further studies on drug interactions to better understand how non-antibiotic medications affect antibiotic efficacy.
