Common painkillers could be making antibiotics less effective, scientists warn
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For many older adults, the medicine cabinet holds a trusted lineup of over-the-counter remedies—painkillers for sore joints, something for congestion, maybe a sleep aid or two.
But new research is raising serious questions about how these familiar drugs might be contributing to a much larger problem: antibiotic resistance.
Scientists now say that some non-antibiotic medications may unintentionally give harmful bacteria the tools they need to survive stronger treatments.
The findings come from a recent study out of the University of South Australia, which explored how common drugs interact with bacteria during antibiotic treatment.
The results suggest it’s time to rethink not just how we use antibiotics—but how we use everyday medications, too.
Many older adults take five or more medications daily, a situation known as polypharmacy.
While each drug may be necessary, combining them with over-the-counter (OTC) products can increase the risk of side effects, drug interactions, and now—possibly—antibiotic resistance.
The new study adds a surprising twist: researchers found that some non-antibiotic drugs may actually support bacteria in developing defenses against antibiotic treatment.
This is especially concerning for seniors, who are more likely to be managing multiple health conditions and are more vulnerable to serious infections.
Antibiotics are designed to kill or stop the growth of bacteria that cause infections, but their effectiveness depends on the bacteria not being able to fight back.
Unfortunately, widespread and sometimes unnecessary use of antibiotics has allowed many bacteria to evolve and become resistant.
When that happens, previously treatable infections can become harder to cure—and in some cases, life-threatening.
This new research suggests the issue may be broader than we thought, extending beyond antibiotics to include other medications commonly used by older adults.
In the study, researchers tested how nine commonly used medications interacted with ciprofloxacin, a widely prescribed antibiotic.
The list included:
These drugs were chosen because they are frequently found in nursing homes and home medicine cabinets alike.
When E. coli bacteria were exposed to ciprofloxacin alone, the expected antibiotic response occurred.
But when the bacteria were also exposed to ibuprofen or acetaminophen, something unexpected happened—they developed genetic changes that helped them resist not just ciprofloxacin, but other antibiotics as well.
The researchers believe these common painkillers may stimulate bacterial defenses, enabling the microbes to expel antibiotics before they take effect.
This "head start" could give bacteria a critical advantage in the ongoing battle against our most powerful medicines.
Not necessarily. Experts say these drugs are still safe and effective when used appropriately.
There’s no need to throw out your Tylenol or ibuprofen just yet.
But the research highlights an important message: every drug we take has effects beyond what we might expect, especially when combined with other medications.
Seniors—particularly those in care facilities—should be aware of the cumulative impact their prescriptions and OTC remedies might have on antibiotic resistance.
Here are a few practical steps to help protect yourself and others from antibiotic resistance:
Older adults face greater risks from both infection and medication overload.
This new research is a timely reminder that even small choices—like reaching for an OTC pain reliever—can influence bigger health outcomes.
By being thoughtful about how we manage pain, illness, and prescriptions, we not only protect ourselves, but also contribute to a broader effort to keep antibiotics working for future generations.
Read next: Are you taking these two common medications? Here’s why they could be deadly when combined!
Do you keep a close eye on your medications? Have you ever discussed drug combinations with your doctor or pharmacist? Let us know how you manage your medicine cabinet or if you’ve ever encountered unexpected interactions. Your story could help someone else stay safe and informed.
For many older adults, the medicine cabinet holds a trusted lineup of over-the-counter remedies—painkillers for sore joints, something for congestion, maybe a sleep aid or two.
But new research is raising serious questions about how these familiar drugs might be contributing to a much larger problem: antibiotic resistance.
Scientists now say that some non-antibiotic medications may unintentionally give harmful bacteria the tools they need to survive stronger treatments.
The findings come from a recent study out of the University of South Australia, which explored how common drugs interact with bacteria during antibiotic treatment.
The results suggest it’s time to rethink not just how we use antibiotics—but how we use everyday medications, too.
Common pain relievers found in most homes may play an unexpected role in antibiotic resistance, according to new research. Image Source: Pexels /Polina Tankilevitch.
Polypharmacy and antibiotic resistance: an overlooked connection
Many older adults take five or more medications daily, a situation known as polypharmacy.
While each drug may be necessary, combining them with over-the-counter (OTC) products can increase the risk of side effects, drug interactions, and now—possibly—antibiotic resistance.
The new study adds a surprising twist: researchers found that some non-antibiotic drugs may actually support bacteria in developing defenses against antibiotic treatment.
This is especially concerning for seniors, who are more likely to be managing multiple health conditions and are more vulnerable to serious infections.
Also read: A 30-year wait ends: New antibiotic offers relief for millions struggling with UTIs
Why antibiotic resistance is so dangerous
Antibiotics are designed to kill or stop the growth of bacteria that cause infections, but their effectiveness depends on the bacteria not being able to fight back.
Unfortunately, widespread and sometimes unnecessary use of antibiotics has allowed many bacteria to evolve and become resistant.
When that happens, previously treatable infections can become harder to cure—and in some cases, life-threatening.
This new research suggests the issue may be broader than we thought, extending beyond antibiotics to include other medications commonly used by older adults.
Also read: Exposed: The top fast food chains pumping your favorite meals with antibiotics - Is your favorite on the list?
Common medications that raised red flags
In the study, researchers tested how nine commonly used medications interacted with ciprofloxacin, a widely prescribed antibiotic.
The list included:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Metformin (used for type 2 diabetes)
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Tramadol (a prescription pain reliever)
- Temazepam (used for sleep)
- Pseudoephedrine (a decongestant)
These drugs were chosen because they are frequently found in nursing homes and home medicine cabinets alike.
Also read: Are you exposing yourself to deadly pathogens? Shocking warning about this common home appliance
What researchers discovered
When E. coli bacteria were exposed to ciprofloxacin alone, the expected antibiotic response occurred.
But when the bacteria were also exposed to ibuprofen or acetaminophen, something unexpected happened—they developed genetic changes that helped them resist not just ciprofloxacin, but other antibiotics as well.
The researchers believe these common painkillers may stimulate bacterial defenses, enabling the microbes to expel antibiotics before they take effect.
This "head start" could give bacteria a critical advantage in the ongoing battle against our most powerful medicines.
Also read: A silent threat is lurking in hospitals—and the CDC says it’s spreading fast
Should you stop taking pain relievers?
Not necessarily. Experts say these drugs are still safe and effective when used appropriately.
There’s no need to throw out your Tylenol or ibuprofen just yet.
But the research highlights an important message: every drug we take has effects beyond what we might expect, especially when combined with other medications.
Seniors—particularly those in care facilities—should be aware of the cumulative impact their prescriptions and OTC remedies might have on antibiotic resistance.
Also read: Stop eating this now: The shocking food behind America's UTI epidemic!
What you can do to reduce your risk
Here are a few practical steps to help protect yourself and others from antibiotic resistance:
- Review your medication list regularly
If you take multiple medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist to review them for possible interactions or unnecessary overlaps. - Use antibiotics only as prescribed
Always finish the full course, and never share or save leftover pills. - Limit unnecessary OTC use
Don’t take painkillers or cold remedies “just in case.” Stick to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed. - Explore non-drug treatments
For chronic pain, ask about physical therapy, stretching, or other lifestyle approaches that may reduce your reliance on medication. - Stay curious and informed
As research evolves, it’s important to keep asking questions and staying up to date—especially during medical visits.
Why this matters now
Older adults face greater risks from both infection and medication overload.
This new research is a timely reminder that even small choices—like reaching for an OTC pain reliever—can influence bigger health outcomes.
By being thoughtful about how we manage pain, illness, and prescriptions, we not only protect ourselves, but also contribute to a broader effort to keep antibiotics working for future generations.
Read next: Are you taking these two common medications? Here’s why they could be deadly when combined!
Do you keep a close eye on your medications? Have you ever discussed drug combinations with your doctor or pharmacist? Let us know how you manage your medicine cabinet or if you’ve ever encountered unexpected interactions. Your story could help someone else stay safe and informed.
