Ceftriaxone
What is it?
This medication belongs to a family of antibiotics known as cephalosporins. It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
How to take this medication:
Cefriaxone is mixed with lidocaine and given by injection into a large muscle such as the buttock or hip.
Do NOT take this medication if you:
Have ever had a previous reaction to ceftriaxone.
Are allergic to ceftriaxone sodium, other cephalosporins, or penicillins.
Tell your health care provider if you:
Have had a reaction to local anesthetics.
Take blood thinners.
Receive calcium-containing solutions administered by IV.
Have a history of cephalosporin-associated hemolytic anemia.
Have low Vitamin K levels.
Recently received Typhoid Vaccine.
Have chronic liver disease.
Have kidney disease.
Have stomach problems.
Have gall bladder disease.
Have blood disorders.
Are pregnant and/or breastfeeding.
Side effects:
Side effects are usually mild to moderate and go away after the medicine is stopped. The most common side effects are:
- Rash
- Anemia (low iron)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fever, chills
- Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
As with other antibiotics, if you develop diarrhea that becomes severe and watery or does not go away, stop taking the medicine and call your health care provider. This could be a sign of a serious medical problem. Do not take over-the-counter medications to treat diarrhea without first consulting with your health care provider.
Allergic reactions to Ceftriaxone sodium are rare, but these reactions can be very serious if not treated right away. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider right away:
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling in the face, mouth and neck
- Severe skin rash or blisters
Drug interactions:
Tell your health care provider of all the over-the-counter and prescription medications you are taking, including:
- Calcium products
- Blood thinners
- Bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens
- Chloramphenicol
- Demeclocycline
- Dienogest/estradiol valerate
- Doxycycline
- Erythromycin
- Minocycline
- Probenecid
- Sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide
- Tetracycline
- Vaccines including BCG, Cholera, Typhoid (live)
Storage:
Ceftriaxone sodium for injection sterile powder should be stored at a controlled room temperature and protected from light.
Points to remember:
This medication is meant to treat your current infection only.
If you are in a sexual relationship, your partner will also need treatment for this infection. If your partner is not treated, they can re-infect you with the same bacteria. Talk to your health care provider about treatment for your sexual partner.