ceftriaxone sodium at a glance
Medicine class
Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
Route
Given into a vein or by deep intramuscular injection; not taken by mouth
Important compatibility point
Must not be mixed or given simultaneously with calcium-containing intravenous solutions
What is ceftriaxone sodium used for?
UK-licensed uses include:
Bacterial meningitis
Community-acquired or hospital-acquired pneumonia
Acute middle-ear infection
Complicated urinary, intra-abdominal, skin, soft-tissue, bone or joint infections
Gonorrhoea and syphilis
Bacterial endocarditis
Disseminated Lyme borreliosis
Bacterial infection associated with fever in neutropenia
Bacteraemia associated with a listed infection
Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adults
Prevention of surgical-site infection
How does ceftriaxone sodium work?
Ceftriaxone blocks construction of the bacterial cell wall. Susceptible bacteria then lose cell-wall integrity and die.
ceftriaxone sodium preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 250 mg, 1 g, 2 g
How to take ceftriaxone sodium
Ceftriaxone is prepared from a vial of powder and administered intravenously or by deep intramuscular injection. This is done by a healthcare professional or someone specifically trained and supported by an OPAT team.
Intramuscular solution prepared with lidocaine must never be injected into a vein.
Calcium-containing fluids must not be used to prepare or simultaneously administer intravenous ceftriaxone.
Use only a clear, particle-free prepared solution and follow product-specific preparation instructions.
ceftriaxone sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Rash
- Raised liver enzymes
- Changes in blood-cell counts
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread rash
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea
- Haemolytic anaemia
- New confusion, reduced consciousness, abnormal movements or seizures
- Severe abdominal pain that may indicate pancreatic, gallbladder or urinary precipitation
ceftriaxone sodium in pregnancy
Ceftriaxone crosses the placenta. Most studies of cephalosporins have not shown harm to the baby, but use requires assessment of the expected benefit and uncertainty, particularly during the first trimester.
ceftriaxone sodium while breastfeeding
Ceftriaxone enters breast milk in low concentrations, and adverse effects are not generally expected. Seek prescriber advice if the infant develops diarrhoea, thrush, nappy-area fungal infection or signs of allergy.
ceftriaxone sodium interactions
Tell the clinical team about all medicines and intravenous fluids being used.
Calcium-containing intravenous solutions or parenteral nutrition
Mixing or simultaneous intravenous administration can produce ceftriaxone-calcium precipitates. Neonates have particular contraindications.
Vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants, such as warfarin
Anticoagulant effect and bleeding risk may increase, requiring closer INR monitoring.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics
Renal function and aminoglycoside concentrations should be monitored because evidence about increased kidney toxicity is conflicting.
Common questions about ceftriaxone sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is ceftriaxone sodium a penicillin?
No. It is a cephalosporin, although both cephalosporins and penicillins are beta-lactam antibiotics.
Can ceftriaxone sodium treat viral infections?
No. It acts against susceptible bacteria, not viruses such as those causing colds or influenza.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.