What is Ceftriaxone?
Ceftriaxone, a cephalosporin, is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. This includes severe or life-threatening conditions such as E. Coli, pneumonia, or meningitis. Ceftriaxone can also be used to prevent infections after certain types of surgeries. Ceftriaxone can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Ceftriaxone
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, facial and throat swelling or severe reactions on the skin then they could indicate an allergic response.(fever or sore throat, pain in the eyes, or skin irritation), or if your skin has rashes that are red or purple and cause blisters or peeling, seek emergency medical attention.
Ceftriaxone can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe stomach pain; bloody or watery diarrhoea (even months after the last dose);
- New signs of infection (fevers, chills, sweating);
- Nausea; vomiting; pain in the upper abdomen that spreads into your back.
- Dark urine, pale or yellowed skin;
- New or worsening respiratory problems (whistling; feeling short of breath);
- A blood cell disorder: headache, chest pain, dizziness, weakness, severe tingling, and numbness
- Kidney or bladder problems: pain in the side or lower back that spreads to your groyne; blood in urine; difficult or painful urination.
Some of the common side effects associated with ceftriaxone include:
- Symptoms of a blood-cell disorder
- Diarrhoea;
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Warmth, tightness, or a lumpy feeling where the injection has been given;
- Rash;
- Abnormal liver function tests
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor immediately if experiencing side effects; or reach out to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse reactions.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Diclofenac Ophthalmic, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin, Azthromycin, and Metronidazole
Warnings
Ceftriaxone should not be used if you've ever experienced a severe reaction to a cephalosporin (Omnicef, Keflex, and others). Never use ceftriaxone on a child without the doctor's approval. Do not give more than what is prescribed.
Before you take this drug
Ceftriaxone should not be taken if you have an allergy to cefazolin and any other cephalosporin (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, etc.). Never use ceftriaxone on a child unless a doctor has prescribed it. Do not give the recommended dose to a child. Ceftriaxone can be harmful when administered to a baby who is receiving any intravenous medicine that contains calcium, such as total parental nutrition.
Provide details to your doctor regarding any of the following issues:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Gallbladder Disease
- Diabete
- Bleeding problems
Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or nursing.
How to take Ceftriaxone
Read and heed all instructions or guides accompanying your medication and follow all directions carefully. Follow the directions on the label. Ceftriaxone can be injected into the muscle or infused into a vein. Ceftriaxone injections are given by a healthcare provider to prevent infection after surgery. You may be taught how to use this injection at home in order to treat an infection. Please read and follow all directions provided with your medication. Ceftriaxone may need to be mixed with a liquid before use.When using injections on your own, be sure to understand how best to mix and store them. Only make an injection when you are ready to administer it. If the colour of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.
Ceftriaxone should not be mixed with other anti-biotics or any diluent containing calcium. This includes a TPN solution (total parental nutrition).Fluss your intravenous tube between injecting each other's medication if you use another injectable medication.
Ceftriaxone should be taken with plenty of fluids to ensure that your kidneys are working correctly. Even if your symptoms improve quickly, continue taking your prescribed dose until the entire course has expired.You can get an infection resistant to the medication if you skip doses. Ceftriaxone does not treat viral infections, such as the flu and a common cold.
Ceftriaxone may affect certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you see about your use of ceftriaxone. You must use ceftriaxone within a specified number of hours, days, or weeks after mixing it with a diluent. This depends on the diluent you are using and the way you store your mixture (at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or frozen). Follow all instructions for mixing and storing your medicine. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist.
If you received your medicine in a frozen state, defrost it in the refrigerator or at ambient temperature. Warm up in the microwave or with boiling water. After defrosting, use the medication as soon as you can. Do not refreeze. Use needles or syringes only once and store them safely in an "sharps container," puncture-resistant container that meets local or state disposal laws. Be mindful that when disposing of such containers that any local laws for disposal should also be followed.Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss an injection dose, contact your healthcare provider immediately for instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect being exposed to poison and require emergency assistance or seek immediate medical advice.
What should be avoided?
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you experience diarrhoea that is bloody or watery. You should only take anti-diarrhoea medication if your doctor has prescribed it.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your physician of all medications taken, including:
- Fluconazole;
- Vancomycin
- Other injected (IV) antibiotics
This list is incomplete. Ceftriaxone may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list may not encompass all possible drug interactions.
