Drugs >  Ceftriaxone
Ceftriaxone
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(sef trye AKS one)

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).


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