Common Drugs Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Linked to Antibiotic Resistance, Study Finds

‘Their widespread overuse and misuse have driven a global rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria,’ a study author said.

The most commonly used medicines based on ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug, in an undated file photograph. Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images

While ibuprofen and acetaminophen remain among the most commonly used drugs in the United States, new research published this week suggests that these over-the-counter medications may be fueling antibiotic resistance.

Published on Aug. 25 in the journal Nature, researchers from the University of South Australia investigated whether commonly used non-antibiotic medications such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, acetaminophen, furosemide, metformin, atorvastatin, tramadol, temazepam, and pseudoephedrine could lead to antibiotic resistance in people.