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

Use of some fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, has also been linked with a higher risk of nightmares. —Stacey Colino, Time, 3 Nov. 2025

Consuming dairy with ciprofloxacin may lower its absorption rate by one-third to one-half.9 Take fluoroquinolone antibiotics on an empty stomach and at least two hours before consuming dairy.10 3. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2025

Taking magnesium with certain antibiotics, such as doxycycline and ciprofloxacin, can decrease the absorption of the antibiotic. —Health, 22 Sep. 2025

In the new research, when E. coli was exposed to ciprofloxacin alongside ibuprofen and paracetamol – both alone and especially when combined – the painkillers significantly increased genetic mutations in the bacteria. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 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