Archive · 4 Sep 2025
Ibuprofen and Ciprofloxacin: Risks of Combined Use
Imagine your body is fighting an infection with a special medicine called ciprofloxacin.
Scientists found that taking ibuprofen, a common painkiller, at the same time might make the infection harder to beat.
Ibuprofen can cause bacteria to change and become resistant to ciprofloxacin, making the medicine less effective.
This is like the bacteria learning how to dodge the medicine.
The scientists tested several medicines often used in aged care and discovered that ibuprofen makes it easier for bacteria to resist antibiotics.
This means that the infection can last longer and be more difficult to treat.
Always be careful when mixing medications and follow your doctor's advice.
Study reveals ibuprofen may increase antibiotic resistance when taken with antibiotics like ciprofloxacin.
Ibuprofen induces genetic changes in bacteria, making them resistant to multiple antibiotics.
The combination of ibuprofen and ciprofloxacin can diminish antibiotic effectiveness.
Scientists tested nine medications commonly used in residential aged care.
Medical experts view antibiotic resistance as a top global health threat.
- Who
- Researchers at the University of South Australia
- What
- Discovered ibuprofen can induce mutations in E. coli, decreasing ciprofloxacin's efficiency and accelerating resistance.
- When
- Published on September 04, 2025.
- Where
- University of South Australia.
- Why
- To investigate the effects of common medications on antibiotic resistance.
- Study Lead
- Associate Professor Rietie Venter
- Research Focus
- Medication interactions and antibiotic resistance
- Key Finding
- Ibuprofen can accelerate antibiotic resistance
- Bacteria Affected
- E. coli
- Antibiotic Affected
- Ciprofloxacin
- Location of Research
- University of South Australia