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Ceftriaxone

Brand Names

; Rocephin®

Therapeutic Categories

Antibiotic, Cephalosporin (Third Generation)

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to any other cephalosporin, ceftriaxone, or any other part of the medicine. If you have an allergy to penicillin talk with healthcare provider.
• Do not give to a newborn baby whose skin or eyes are yellow or has high bilirubin levels in the blood. Talk with healthcare provider.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

How does it work?

• Ceftriaxone makes the cell wall (skin) of the bacteria leaky and kills the bacteria.

How is it best taken?

• Medicine given by a needle.
• It may be given as a shot into the muscle. This is called an intramuscular (IM) shot. It may also be given as a short (15-30 minute) infusion. Mixing the ceftriaxone with another liquid and giving it into the vein is a type of infusion. Ceftriaxone may be given at home when you do not need hospital services.
• A healthcare provider may teach you and a friend or family member how to give this medicine.
• If that is not possible a visiting nurse may come into you home and give the shot to you.
• If you are using needles, throw them away in red box and return box to healthcare provider when full.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Give a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not give a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Use caution if you have gallbladder or bile tract disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Use caution if you have liver disease or disease in your pancreas. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Pain, swelling, and tenderness where the medicine goes into your body.
• Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
• Rash.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for change in temperature or worsening of infection.
• Watch supplies and make a list of what you need for healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
• Belly pain, nausea, or vomiting.
• Fever and/or chills.
• Redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, or pus where medicine is being given.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store as directed by healthcare provider.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).