| Common Brands | Rocephin (brand no longer available) |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Cephalosporin antibiotic |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum, third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that is used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. It is administered through injection, either intramuscularly or intravenously, and exerts its action by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, which leads to the death of the bacterial cells. Ceftriaxone is highly effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and is commonly used in hospitals for serious infections requiring immediate antibiotic treatment.
It is used commonly for diseases, such as pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infection, gonorrhea, sepsis, or bacterial infections of the skin, bones, joints, and soft tissues. The broad-spectrum activity of ceftriaxone plus its long half-life means that it is an excellent choice in infections where long-term treatment with antibiotics is needed.
Both administration is performed either by intravenous infusion or injection and intramuscular injection. The administering route and the dosage used depend on the type as well as the severity of infections.
Intravenous administration- For intravenous administration ceftriaxone is administered by infusion process over 30 minutes through an 2 hours depending on dose and the severity of disease.
Intramuscular injection: If given intramuscularly, ceftriaxone is injected deep into the muscle, usually in the gluteal region. This method is often used for less severe infections or in situations where IV administration is not practical.
Dosages of this medication may need to be altered in patients with renal or hepatic impairment; however, ceftriaxone is administered either once or twice daily depending on the type of infection being treated. Healthcare providers are the ones determining the appropriate dose for each patient and their specific type of infection and medical history.
Ceftriaxone inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. The cell wall is a structural protection component in bacteria. Whenever this wall synthesis is hampered, the bacteria are not in a position to hold its shape or integrity, hence causing rupture of the cell and subsequent death of the bacterial cell.
Ceftriaxone is highly effective on those bacteria that are actively dividing as it concentrates on the cell wall constriction step during bacterial growth.
The drugs bind to specific penicillin-binding proteins involved in the last steps of forming the cell wall. It causes interference with these proteins, thereby preventing peptidoglycan chain cross-linking within the bacterial cell wall, thus weakening the structure of the cell, which then leads to the death of bacteria
Ceftriaxone can cause several side effects, which may range from mild to severe. In fact, some of its most common and dangerous ones include the following:
Common side effects:
Severe side effects:
Serious allergic reactions: Such would include rash, hives, shortness of breathing, and anaphylaxis.
Kidney difficulties: High serum creatinine accompanied by renal failure, especially among persons with a history of having kidney diseases.
Liver enzyme alterations: Ceftriaxone is associated with potential hepatotoxicity, typically in the form of heightened liver enzymes.
Superinfection: This agent risks the occurrence of superinfections secondary to prolonged administration; including Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
Hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics: A drug such as ceftriaxone is contra-indicated in any person who has been documented having hypersensitivity reactions to medications within the penicillin, cephalosporin or, generally, beta-lactam class.
Renal or hepatic impairment: Patients with impaired kidney or liver function should be closely monitored since the dose might need to be adjusted. Ceftriaxone is excreted mainly through the kidneys.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Ceftriaxone falls under pregnancy category B; it is generally safe but should be used in pregnant women only if the benefit outweighs the risk. It excretes into breast milk, but it is generally considered safe for mothers breastfeeding. However, it should be consulted with a doctor first.
Neonates: Ceftriaxone must not be used in neonates, particularly those <28 days old, to avoid the potential risk of bilirubin encephalopathy, a rare but grave condition that can occur by the combination of ceftriaxone with high bilirubin levels in the newborn.
Ceftriaxone interacts with a number of other drugs. Such interactions may affect the efficacy of the drug or lead to adverse effects. The following are notable ones:
Calcium-containing solutions: It should not be mixed or administered with calcium-containing solutions, especially in neonates. This may result in the formation of harmful precipitates, which may cause severe complications, including pulmonary and renal problems.
Probenecid: Concomitant use with probenecid-a gout medication-causes decreased elimination of ceftriaxone and thus the possibility of elevations of ceftriaxone concentration in blood can increase risk of adverse effect or toxicity.
Warfarin and anticoagulants: It can also interact with other medications for prolongation of bleeding by an anticoagulant medication such as warfarin, where patients under both drugs will need careful follow-up coagulation tests.
Other drugs: Antibiotics that are combined with ceftriaxone, especially those drugs with the same mechanism of action, may enhance adverse effects or interfere with effectiveness of therapy. Use of ceftriaxone and other antibiotics should be very cautious, especially in relation to synergistic or antagonist activities.
The ceftriaxone dosage varies based on the infection being treated, as well as the severity and age and medical status of the patient.
For adults with severe infections (such as pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis):
Usual dose: 1 to 2 grams per day. Higher doses up to 4 grams per day may be required for meningitis. It is administered as an IV infusion or IM injection every 24 hours. In pediatric patients:
The dose in neonates over 28 days old, infants, and children is usually based on body weight. Most infections are in the range of 50 to 75 mg/kg/day.
Dosages might need adjustment in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
Ceftriaxone is available by prescription only and must be prescribed by a licensed health care provider. It is usually reserved for more serious or severe bacterial infections, and it is administered in the hospital because it comes as an injection.
The healthcare provider will take into account several factors, including the nature of the infection, the health status of the patient, and the risks associated with prescribing ceftriaxone.
It’s used to treat serious bacterial infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and gonorrhea.
It kills bacteria by stopping their cell wall formation, leading to bacterial death.
By intramuscular (IM) injection or intravenous (IV) infusion.
Its half-life is about 6–9 hours, allowing once or twice daily dosing.
Pain or swelling at the injection site, rash, diarrhea, and nausea.
Yes, especially in people allergic to penicillins or cephalosporins.
Yes, it is commonly used in pediatric patients with appropriate dosing.
It’s generally considered safe but should be used only if prescribed by a doctor.
Respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, septicemia, and more.
It should not be mixed with calcium-containing solutions due to risk of precipitates.
Usually not necessary, but caution is advised in severe renal impairment.
Contact your doctor immediately—it may be a sign of Clostridium difficile infection.
Improvement is often seen within a few days, but full course completion is essential.
Yes, it is a first-line treatment for gonorrhea.
No, it is generally not effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Avoid mixing with calcium-containing IV fluids and inform your doctor about all other drugs.
Rarely, but kidney function should be monitored in high-risk patients.
Store the powder and solution at room temperature and protect from light.
It may rarely affect blood clotting; monitoring may be needed for patients on blood thinners.
Yes, it requires a doctor’s prescription and must be administered by a healthcare professional.
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