cephalosporin

noun

ceph·​a·​lo·​spo·​rin ˌse-fə-lə-ˈspȯr-ən 

: any of several antibiotics produced by an imperfect fungus (genus Acremonium synonym Cephalosporium)

Examples of cephalosporin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All three cases had a distinct genetic mutation that made the bacteria resistant to yet another class of antibiotics, the cephalosporins, which are often used to treat Shigella infections when other drugs fail. —Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024

This interaction is most noticeable with a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins, which include Keflex (cephalexin) and Omnicef (cefdinir). —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 8 Dec. 2024

In general, penicillins and cephalosporins are considered safe during pregnancy. —Erika Prouty, Verywell Health, 4 Oct. 2024

Examples of interacting antibiotics include quinolones (such as ciprofloxacin), tetracyclines, and cephalosporins (like Keflex). —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 22 Sep. 2024

The cephalosporin ceftriaxone is the last drug standing in the US to treat gonorrhea infections. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 28 Mar. 2024

In 2010, the CDC updated the treatment again, recommending that doctors combine cephalosporins with one of two other types of antibiotics—azithromycin or doxycycline—to try to thwart the development of resistance. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 28 Mar. 2024

Resistance rising By 2007, the agency switched to cephalosporins, including cefixime. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 28 Mar. 2024

When taken with cephalosporin antibiotics, the body’s ability to absorb vitamin K is reduced. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Cephalosporium, genus of fungi + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cephalosporin

noun

ceph·​a·​lo·​spo·​rin ˌsef-ə-lə-ˈspōr-ən, -ˈspȯr- 

: any of several beta-lactam antibiotics produced by an imperfect fungus of the genus Acremonium or made semisynthetically