Ceftriaxone: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What medicine is Ceftriaxone?

What is Ceftriaxone for?

Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic drug with a function to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. Ceftriaxone belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins that work by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Antibiotics such as cefoxitin will not work on viral infections such as colds and flu. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases the risk of developing an infection that is resistant to antibiotic treatment. Therefore, take this drug in accordance with the doctor's instructions.

This medication may also be used only before dental procedures in patients with certain heart conditions (such as artificial heart valves) to prevent serious infections of the heart (bacterial endocarditis).

The ceftriaxone dosage and side effects of ceftriaxone are detailed below.

How to use Ceftriaxone?

The way to use cefriaxone is by injection into a muscle or vein according to the doctor's direction. Because the dose will depend on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Continue to use this medication until it wears off, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping treatment too early may allow bacteria to keep growing, resulting in a recurrence of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition doesn't go away or gets worse.

How is Ceftriaxone stored?

Store the medicine at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom and freeze medication. Medicines under different brands may have different storage methods. Check the product box for instructions on how to store it, or ask the pharmacist. Stay away from children and pets.

It is forbidden to flush the medicine in the toilet or throw it into the drain if not told to. Properly discard this product if it is past the deadline or is no longer needed. Consult a pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more in-depth details on how to safely dispose of the product.

Ceftriaxone dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Ceftriaxone for adults?

• For bacterial infections, the dose of ceftriaxone is 1-2 grams / day injected into a muscle or vein. The total daily dose should not exceed 4 grams.
• For uncomplicated gonococcal infection, the dose of ceftriaxone is 250 milligrams injected into the muscle
• For surgical wound infections, the dose of ceftriaxone is 1 gram injected into a muscle or blood vessel, 30 minutes - 2 hours before surgery.

What is the dose of Ceftriaxone for children?

• For bacterial infections, the dose of ceftriaxone is 50 mg / kg injected into a muscle or vein every 24 hours.
• For meningitis, the ceftriaxone dose is 50-100 mg / kg every 24 hours. Depending on the age and needs of the child. The maximum dose should not exceed 4 grams.
• For gonococcal infection, the dose of ceftriaxone is 45-50 mg / kg / day injected into a muscle or vein every 12 hours. The maximum dose should not exceed 2 grams / day.
• For meningkokal meningitis prophylaxis, the dose of ceftriaxone is 125-250 mg injected once into the muscle. The dosage will depend on the child's age.

Ceftriaxone should be avoided by children after birth with hyperbilirubinemia (too much bilirubin in the blood).

In what dosage is Ceftriaxone available?

Ceftriaxone is available in the following dosage forms and sizes:

• Solution, intravenous (IV): 20mg / ml, 40mg / ml
• Solution, injection: 250mg, 500mg, 1g, 2g

Ceftriaxone side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Ceftriaxone?

The most common side effects of the antibiotic drug ceftriaxone are:

• Swelling, pain and redness at the injection site
• Allergic reactions
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Headache or dizziness
• Sore or swollen tongue
• Sweating
• Vagina itching or discharge

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Ceftriaxone Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Ceftriaxone?

You should stop this medication if you are allergic to ceftriaxone, or other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• Cefaclor (Raniclor)
• Cefadroxil (Duricef)
• Cefazolin (Ancef)
• Cefdinir (Omnicef)
• Cefditoren (Spectracef)
• Cefpodoxime (Vantin)
• Cefprozil (Cefzil)
• Ceftibuten (Cedax)
• Cefuroxime (Ceftin)
• Cephalexin (Keflex) or
• Cephradine (Velosef)

To make sure you can use ceftriaxone safely, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Kidney disease (or if you have dialysis)
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Bile disease
• Abnormalities in the stomach or intestines such as colitis
• Poor nutrition or
• Penicillin allergy

Is Ceftriaxone safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Ceftriaxone Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Ceftriaxone?

Although several types of drugs cannot be taken at the same time, there are also cases where the drugs can be taken simultaneously if there is an interaction. In this case, the doctor may change the dose, or may need to be prevented. Tell a healthcare professional if you are taking medication with or without a prescription.

Using this medicine together with other medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both are prescribed simultaneously, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• Calcium acetate
• Calcium chloride
• Calcium gluseptate
• Calcium gluconate
• Lactating Ringers solution
• Ringer's solution

Taking this medicine with other medicines may increase your risk of certain side effects, but taking both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both drugs are prescribed simultaneously, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• Warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with Ceftriaxone?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Ceftriaxone?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Anemia
• Diarrhea
• Bile disease
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Stomach or intestinal disease (for example, colitis)
• Hyperbilirubinemia (excessive levels of bilirubin in the blood) - not suitable for newborns (less than 28 days) and premature who suffer from this disease
• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Poor nutritional conditions

Ceftriaxone overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.