Ceftriaxone

💊 What is Ceftriaxone used for?

• •Lower respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria
• •Acute bacterial ear infection (otitis media)
• •Skin and skin structure infections
• •Urinary tract infections, complicated and uncomplicated
• •Other infections listed in the full label. The copy provided is cut off partway through this list, including the section on uncomplicated gonorrhea.

How it works

How it is usually taken

• •Ceftriaxone may be given into a vein (intravenously) or into a muscle (intramuscularly). A healthcare provider gives it. The label says it must not be mixed with calcium-containing solutions in the same IV line, and that certain calcium-containing diluents (such as Ringer's or Hartmann's solution) should not be used to prepare it. The label also says that antibacterial drugs should be taken exactly as directed, and that skipping doses or not finishing the full course may reduce how well the treatment works.

Comes as

• •Powder for injection in glass vials: single-dose vials containing 1 g equivalent of ceftriaxone
• •Powder for injection in glass vials: single-dose vials containing 2 g equivalent of ceftriaxone

⚠️ Ceftriaxone side effects

🛑 Who should not take Ceftriaxone, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have a known allergy (hypersensitivity) to ceftriaxone, any of its ingredients, or any other cephalosporin.
• 🚨The baby is a premature newborn up to a postmenstrual age of 41 weeks. The label says ceftriaxone is contraindicated in these babies.
• 🚨The baby has high bilirubin (hyperbilirubinemia). The label says these newborns should not be treated with ceftriaxone.
• 🚨The newborn (28 days old or younger) requires, or is expected to require, calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition. The label says ceftriaxone is contraindicated in this situation.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your healthcare provider about any past allergic reaction to cephalosporins, penicillins, or other beta-lactam antibiotics, or to any other drug.
• •Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, especially severe kidney impairment. The label says neurological reactions occurred in some patients with severe kidney impairment who did not receive appropriate dose adjustment.
• •Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• •Tell your healthcare provider if you have had diarrhea after taking antibiotics in the past.

🔀 Ceftriaxone with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Calcium-containing IV solutions: ceftriaxone must not be given at the same time through the same IV line as calcium-containing solutions. In patients other than newborns, the two may be given one after the other if the lines are thoroughly flushed with a compatible fluid.
• •Calcium-containing diluents such as Ringer's or Hartmann's solution should not be used to prepare ceftriaxone for IV use.
• •The label says there have been no reports of an interaction between ceftriaxone and oral calcium-containing products, or between intramuscular ceftriaxone and calcium-containing products.

Alcohol and food

The label does not say.

🤰 Ceftriaxone in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label lists this medicine as Pregnancy Category B. Animal studies in mice, rats, and primates showed no evidence of harm to the developing baby at the doses tested. The label also says there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal studies do not always predict human results, the label says ceftriaxone should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Breastfeeding

The label says low concentrations of ceftriaxone pass into human milk. Caution should be used when it is given to a nursing woman.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store the powder at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), which is controlled room temperature, and protect it from light. The label also describes the product as sterile, non-pyrogenic, and preservative-free.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says ceftriaxone overdose has been reported in patients with severe kidney impairment. Reported reactions include encephalopathy, seizures, muscle jerks (myoclonus), and non-convulsive status epilepticus. Treatment is to stop ceftriaxone and provide general supportive care. The label says hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis would not reduce the drug concentration, there is no specific antidote, and treatment is symptomatic.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Ceftriaxone

• Is this antibiotic right for the infection I have, based on my test results?
• How long will I need this medicine, and what should I do if I start to feel better early?
• Should my kidney function be checked before or during treatment?
• Am I at higher risk of an allergic reaction because of past reactions to penicillin or other antibiotics?
• What signs of diarrhea or nervous system changes should I report to you right away?
• Is there any calcium-containing IV fluid or medicine I will be getting at the same time?

❓ Ceftriaxone: frequently asked questions