Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Could Be Increasing Due to Greater Painkiller Use

Widespread use of painkillers like Advil and Tylenol may be causing E. coli to mutate rapidly, with some strains developing resistance to the antibiotic Cipro.

While overuse of antibiotics has long been blamed for the rise in treatment-resistant bacteria, new research suggests that the widespread use of over-the-counter painkillers like Advil and Tylenol may also be playing a critical a role the emergence of these so-called “superbug” infections.

According to a new study published in the journal NPJ Antimicrobials and Resistance on August 25, when two such painkillers are used together, there is an even greater increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Antibiotic Resistance Concerns

In recent decades, the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria has become a threat to global health, with experts projecting that the superbugs may cause the deaths of nearly 40 million people by 2050. Previous research has suggested that the dangerous bacteria is caused by antibiotic overuse and misuse, which has largely been driven by doctors handing out the medications for conditions that antibiotics are ineffective at treating.

However, some studies have highlighted the role other factors may play in increasing antibiotic resistance. Researchers from the UK linked disinfectants used in hospitals and intensive care units to an increased risk of antibiotic-resistant infections. Another study published by the University of California, Berkeley concluded contaminated drinking water can also lead to the proliferation of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Some doctors warn the increase in the number of antibiotic resistant superbugs may outpace the creation of new antibiotics that can treat the evolving infections. The United Nations warned antibiotic resistant bacteria may pose a serious threat to humans if drastic measures are not taken.

The link to painkillers was found by Dr. Hanbiao Chen and a team of Australian researchers from University of South Australia, who studied nine commonly used non-antibiotic medications in residential aged care facilities, including Advil, Voltarol, Tylenol, Furoscix, metformin, Lipitor, tramadol, temazepam and Sudafed. They examined how the various medications interacted with the antibiotic Cipro when used together, and then monitored the creation or increase of Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli).

The researchers conducted whole genome sequencing and were able to identify gene mutations that were linked with over-expression of other genes linked to antibiotic resistance. Of the medications, Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) significantly increased the frequency of E. Coli mutations, leading to more of the bacteria developing Cipro resistance.

“Collectively, this study provides evidence that medication used in pain relief, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, when combined with ciprofloxacin, not only significantly increases mutation frequency but also confer multiple antibiotic resistance.”

– University of South Australia researchers

The findings are cause for concern, the researchers warned, since patients are often given antibiotics to treat conditions alongside recommendations to take OTC and prescription painkillers to treat pain. Researchers said the findings emphasize a need to further investigate how other medications may play a role in creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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