What is Rocephin?
Rocephin (SEF is a low-sporin) antibiotic. It works by attacking bacteria in the body. Rocephin can be used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. This includes severe or life-threatening conditions such as E. coli, pneumonia, or meningitis. Rocephin can also be used to treat infections in patients undergoing certain types of surgical procedures.
Warnings
Rocephin should not be used if you've ever experienced a severe reaction to any cephalosporin (Keflex or Omnicef). Do not give Rocephin to children without consulting with a physician first. Rocephin is not recommended for premature babies or newborns with jaundice.
Before you take this drug
Never use Rocephin on a child without the doctor's approval.Do not give more than your doctor has prescribed. Rocephin can be harmful when administered to a baby who is receiving any intravenous medicine that contains calcium, such as total parental nutrition.
This medicine should not be used if you have had an allergic reaction to ceftriaxone or certain anti-biotics, such as:
- Cefaclor is also known as cefdinir and cefixime. Other names include cephalexin (Keflex), Omnicef (Omnisil), cefprozil (Cefixime), cefprozil-cephalexin, etc.
- Avibactam, relebactam, sulbactam, tazobactam, vaborbactam, etc.
- Amoxicillin is also known as Augmentin (Amoxil), ampicillin (Dicloxacillin), oxacillin, and penicillin.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Rocephin will be safe for you:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Gallbladder Disease
- Diabetes
- Bleeding problems
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Diclofenac Ophthalmic, Cephalexin, Azthromycin, and Metronidazole
How to take Rocephin?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instructions sheets. Read and follow all instructions listed on your prescription label.
Rocephin can be injected directly into the muscle or infused into a vein. When Rocephin is being used to prevent infection after surgery, your healthcare provider will administer this injection. The injection may be used at home to treat an infection. Rocephin can be given up to 14 times. Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not comprehend the instructions, consult your physician or pharmacist immediately. Just prepare an injection when it is time to be taken. If the color of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist. The IV infusion should be done slowly. It can take up to 30 minutes.
Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the entire prescribed time. You can get an infection resistant to the medication if you skip doses. Rocephin does not treat viral infections, such as the flu or a common cold. Rocephin should not be mixed with any other antibiotics or diluents that contain 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. Rocephin may affect certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you see about Rocephin. Rocephin must be diluted with a liquid diluent before use. The diluent used and the way the medicine is stored (at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or frozen) will determine how long the mixed medicine can be kept. Follow the 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. Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dosage, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you experience diarrhea that is bloody or watery. You should only take anti-diarrhea medication if your doctor has prescribed it.
Side effects of Rocephin
If you experience an allergic reaction (hives or difficulty breathing) or a severe reaction on your skin (fever, burning eyes, pain in the skin, or a red or purple rash with blistering or peeling that spreads), seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Severe stomach pain or diarrhea that is bloody or watery (even months after the last dose);
- New signs of infection: fever, chills, and sweating
- Vomiting; pain in the upper abdomen that spreads into your back.
- Dark urine, pale or yellowed skin;
- New or worsening respiratory problems (wheezing and feeling short of breath);
- A disorder of the blood cells: chest pain, dizziness, weakness, severe tingling, or numbness.
- Kidney or Bladder Problems: pain spreading from your lower back or side to your groin; blood in urine; painful or difficult urination; little or no urine
Rocephin may cause side effects such as:
- Symptoms of a blood-cell disorder
- Diarrhea;
- Vaginal itching and discharge
- Warmth, tightness, or a lumpy feeling where the injection has been given;
- Rash;
- Abnormal liver function tests
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Fluconazole;
- Vancomycin
- Other injected (IV) antibiotics
This list is incomplete. Ceftriaxone may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
