Other Brands/Names

Ceftriaxone Sodium Sesquaterhydrate, Foricef, Betrix, Liaxon, Ceftriaxone Sodium, Bioxon, Cefoza, Inchepin, Intricef, Intrix, Broadced, Rixone, Gracef, Trijec, Cetriax, Tricefin, Ceftrimet.

How it Works

Ceftriaxone is an antibacterial drug from the third-generation cephalosporin class of antibiotics. It works by preventing bacterial growth and inhibiting the formation of bacterial cell walls, which leads to the death of the bacterial cells.

Indications

Ceftriaxone is used to treat various bacterial infections, including:

• Gonorrhea

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive organs that may cause infertility

• Meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord

• Lung infections

• Ear infections

• Skin infections

• Urinary tract infections

• Blood infections

• Bone or joint infections

• Digestive tract infections

Ceftriaxone is also used before certain surgical procedures to prevent post-surgery infections.

Contraindications

Ceftriaxone should not be used by individuals who have:

• A history of allergy to cephalosporin antibiotics or severe allergies to other beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, monobactams, carbapenems)

• Conditions requiring calcium-containing medications (infusion/injection drugs), for example:
  • Premature infants <1 month old
  • Full-term infants <1 month old with jaundice

Side Effects

• Swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site may occur

• Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include:

  • Easy bruising or bleeding

  • Unusual fatigue

  • Symptoms of gallbladder disease (e.g., abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting)

  • Signs of kidney problems (e.g., changes in urine volume)

  • Blood-colored or dark urine

  • Painful or frequent urination

  • Back pain

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes

  • Confusion

  • Seizures

Ceftriaxone may also cause severe intestinal upset due to Clostridium difficile bacteria, which can occur during or weeks to months after treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramps or pain, blood or mucus in your stool.

Prolonged or repeated use may cause yeast infections in the mouth or genitals. If you notice white patches in your mouth, unusual vaginal discharge, or other signs of a yeast infection, consult your doctor.

Types

Ceftriaxone is available as a 1-gram vial of powder for injection, given by intravenous or intramuscular injection.

Dosage

Adults

• 1-2 grams per day, with the possibility of increasing to 4 grams per day for severe infections.
• It is given as a single dose or in two divided doses via slow intravenous injection over 5 minutes, infusion over 30 minutes, or intramuscular injection.
• Doses greater than 2 grams are given intravenously.

Children

• <15 days old: 20-50 mg/kg once daily by infusion over 60 minutes.
• 15 days to 12 years old, weight <50 kg: 50-80 mg/kg per day, which can be increased to 100 mg/kg for severe infections. The maximum dose is 4 grams per day.
• Age >12 years old weight > 50 kg: Same as the adult dose.

Safety

• Ceftriaxone may reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine). Inform your healthcare provider before receiving any immunizations.

• This medication should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

• Ceftriaxone is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Ceftriaxone may increase the nephrotoxic (kidney-damaging) effects of aminoglycoside antibiotics.

• It may increase the effects and side effects of anticoagulants (blood thinners).

• Ceftriaxone may reduce the effectiveness of typhoid and BCG vaccines.

• Potentially fatal: Combining ceftriaxone with calcium-containing medications can cause precipitation of crystalline material in the lungs and kidneys.

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