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In vitro antibacterial activity of Ibuprofen and acetaminophen

Ali Abdul Hussein S Al-Janabi1

  • 1Department of Clinical Laboratory, University of Karbala, Collage of Pharmacy, Iraq.

Journal of Global Infectious Diseases
|July 8, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen demonstrate antibacterial properties against certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Paracoccus yeei. However, some Enterobacter strains showed resistance to these common medications.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are widely used for their anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects.
  • Their potential antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria remains an area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
  • To determine their effects on various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Antibacterial activity was assessed against seven bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Salmonella typhi, and Paracoccus yeei.
  • Spectrophotometer assays were employed to quantify antibacterial effects.
  • Ampicillin sodium and cefotaxime sodium served as positive controls, alongside a chemical-free medium control.

Main Results:

  • Staphylococcus aureus and Paracoccus yeei were susceptible to ibuprofen and acetaminophen, with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 1.25 mg/ml.
  • Two strains of Enterobacter species exhibited resistance to both agents.
  • The antibacterial activity of ibuprofen and acetaminophen was comparable.

Conclusions:

  • Ibuprofen and acetaminophen possess potential antibacterial effects against specific bacterial strains.
  • These common medications demonstrated a similar capacity to inhibit bacterial growth in vitro.
Keywords:
AcetaminophenAntibacterialIbuprofen

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