A major study involving more than 2,500 people found that medications like antibiotics, antidepressants, and heart-gene drugs changed gut bacteria long after use.
Researchers from Estonia tracked medication data and stool samples. They discovered that almost half of the 186 drugs studied left measurable “microbial footprints” up to five years later.
Beyond antibiotics, commonly used drugs such as beta-blockers, benzodiazepines and proton-pump inhibitors also shifted microbial diversity.
Another study found that some non-antibiotic medications weakened the gut’s “firewall” against pathogens. For example, stomach-acid reducers and certain mental-health drugs made mice more susceptible to infections.
Experts say the findings don’t mean you should stop medications without consulting your doctor. But they emphasise that drug history should be considered in gut-health research and patient care.
