ciprofloxacin

noun

cip·​ro·​flox·​a·​cin ˌsi-prə-ˈfläk-sə-sən 

-prō-

: a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic C₁₇H₁₈FN₃O₃ that is often administered in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₇H₁₈FN₃O₃·HCl and is effective especially against gram-negative bacteria

Examples of ciprofloxacin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearly 25 years ago, Americans discovered just how critical the antibiotic ciprofloxacin could be. —Thomas J. Bollyky, Foreign Affairs, 22 July 2025

Some antibiotics used include ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, metronidazole, and rifaximin.1 Other treatments may include: Probiotics (live beneficial bacteria): Probiotics are a potential treatment, but there is a lack of evidence on their effects on SIBO. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025

This project has involved regularly testing samples of N. gonorrhoeae obtained from STD clinics for their susceptibility to different antibiotics like cefixime, ceftriaxone, azithromycin and ciprofloxacin. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025

These include, but are not limited to, Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Levaquin (levofloxacin), Declomycin (demeclocycline), and Vibramycin (doxycycline). —Merve Ceylan, Health, 11 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably from International Scientific Vocabulary ci- (alteration of cycl-) + propyl + fluor- + ox- + az- + -mycin

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ciprofloxacin

noun

cip·​ro·​flox·​a·​cin ˌsip-rə-ˈfläk-sə-sən, -rō- 

: a fluoroquinolone C₁₇H₁₈FN₃O₃ that is often administered in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₇H₁₈FN₃O₃·HCl and is effective especially against gram-negative bacteria see cipro