New research from the Netherlands suggests that a range of commonly used medications can alter the population of gut microbes, and some can raise the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers looked at 41 drug categories and examined stool samples from people who did and did not take the drugs. Some of the trial subjects had irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
Of the 41 drugs, 18 had major effects on the gut microbiome, with eight increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
The categories that had the most impact were: PPIs used to treat indigestion and other gut complaints; metformin, a type 2 diabetes treatment, along with antibiotics and laxatives.
Seven other categories were linked to significant changes in gut flora populations, including SSRI antidepressants and oral steroids.
While the results are preliminary, it is another indication that our gut microbiome needs to be considered in many aspects of our health, including in relation to common medicines.
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