Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections. It's effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those causing pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. Administered via injection, it's particularly valuable in hospital settings and emergency care.
This antibiotic disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death. Its broad-spectrum activity covers many Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Ceftriaxone's long half-life allows for once or twice-daily dosing, making it convenient for both inpatient and outpatient treatment.
Clinicians frequently prescribe ceftriaxone for bacterial meningitis, gonorrhea, intra-abdominal infections, and Lyme disease. It's also used for surgical prophylaxis and in empiric therapy for severe infections when the causative organism is unknown.
As a first-line treatment for bacterial meningitis, ceftriaxone crosses the blood-brain barrier effectively. It's often combined with vancomycin for suspected pneumococcal meningitis until culture results are available.
Ceftriaxone can cause severe allergic reactions in penicillin-sensitive patients. It may lead to gallbladder pseudolithiasis, particularly in children. Monitor for diarrhea, as it can indicate C. difficile infection. Dose adjustments are needed for renal impairment.
Ceftriaxone is reconstituted with sterile water or lidocaine (for IM injection). IV administration should be slow to avoid phlebitis. Solutions remain stable for varying periods depending on concentration and storage temperature.
Common reactions include injection site pain, diarrhea, and rash. Serious but rare effects include hemolytic anemia, pseudomembranous colitis, and anaphylaxis. Report any unusual bruising, jaundice, or severe abdominal pain immediately.
Ceftriaxone may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants. Concurrent use with calcium-containing IV solutions can cause precipitation in neonates. Avoid simultaneous administration with other calcium-containing products.
Widely used in children for serious infections, dosage is weight-based. Monitor for jaundice in neonates due to bilirubin displacement risk. Avoid in hyperbilirubinemic infants.
Administer a missed dose as soon as possible. If close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one. Never give double doses. Maintain strict timing for optimal therapeutic levels.
Increasing resistance in some organisms necessitates culture and sensitivity testing. Overuse contributes to resistance development. Reserve for appropriate indications to preserve effectiveness.
Store powder vials at room temperature. Reconstituted solutions vary in stability - refrigerated IV solutions last 3-10 days depending on concentration. Always check precipitation before administration.
Find answers to common questions about ceftriaxone administration, safety, and clinical use for better patient outcomes.
Yes, for complicated UTIs or pyelonephritis caused by susceptible organisms. However, oral alternatives are preferred for uncomplicated cases when possible.
Ceftriaxone's half-life is 5.8-8.7 hours in adults, with elimination complete in about 5 half-lives. It's excreted through both urine and bile.
It's not absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. The molecule's structure prevents effective oral absorption, necessitating parenteral administration.
Rarely, it may cause false positives for opioids in some immunoassay tests. Confirmatory testing (GC/MS) will distinguish true positives.
Category B - generally considered safe when clearly needed. It crosses the placenta but shows no evidence of harm in human pregnancies.
Practical information about proper ceftriaxone use in various clinical scenarios and patient populations.
For most infections: 1-2 grams every 24 hours. Severe infections may require 2 grams every 12 hours. Meningitis typically uses 2 grams every 12 hours.
Yes, for appropriate infections. The 1g dose is given as a single IM injection, often with lidocaine to reduce pain. Larger doses require IV administration.
No adjustment needed for renal impairment alone. For combined renal/hepatic impairment, don't exceed 2g daily. Monitor closely in severe cases.
In neonates, concurrent administration can form ceftriaxone-calcium precipitates in lungs/kidneys. Separate by at least 48 hours in infants ≤28 days.
Yes, via outpatient IV therapy or IM injections for appropriate infections. Requires proper training for safe administration and monitoring.