ceftriaxone (injection)

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Pronunciation: SEF trye AX one

Brand: Rocephin

What is the most important information I should know about ceftriaxone?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to ceftriaxone or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins or other antibiotics.

Do not use ceftriaxone in a child without a doctor's advice. Ceftriaxone should never be used in a premature baby, or in any newborn baby who has jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

What is ceftriaxone?

Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Ceftriaxone is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms such as meningitis.

Ceftriaxone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using ceftriaxone?

Do not use ceftriaxone in a child without a doctor's advice, and never give more than the child's prescribed dose. Ceftriaxone injection can be dangerous when given to a newborn baby with any intravenous medicines that contain calcium, including total parental nutrition (TPN). Ceftriaxone should never be used in a premature baby, or in any newborn baby who has jaundice.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to ceftriaxone or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

  • cefaclor (Raniclor);
  • cefadroxil (Duricef);
  • cefazolin (Ancef);
  • cefdinir (Omnicef);
  • cefditoren (Spectracef);
  • cefpodoxime (Vantin);
  • cefprozil (Cefzil);
  • ceftibuten (Cedax);
  • cefuroxime (Ceftin);
  • cephalexin (Keflex); or
  • cephradine (Velosef).

To make sure ceftriaxone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • an allergy to any drugs (especially penicillins);
  • kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
  • liver disease;
  • diabetes;
  • gallbladder disease;
  • a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis;
  • poor nutrition; or
  • a condition for which you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

Ceftriaxone is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ceftriaxone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use ceftriaxone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Ceftriaxone is injected into a muscle, or into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used.

You may need to mix ceftriaxone with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication. Use only the diluent your doctor has recommended.

Do not mix ceftriaxone in the same injection with other antibiotics, or with any diluent that contains calcium, including a TPN (total parenteral nutrition) solution.

After mixing your medicine, you will need to use it within a certain number of hours or days. This will depend on the diluent and how you store the mixture (at room temperature, in a refrigerator, or frozen). Carefully follow the mixing and storage instructions provided with your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.

If you use other injectable medications, be sure to flush your intravenous catheter between injections of each medication.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Ceftriaxone will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Ceftriaxone can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Store unmixed ceftriaxone powder at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

If your medicine was provided in a frozen form or was frozen after mixing, thaw it in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not warm in a microwave or boiling water. Use the medicine as soon as possible after thawing it. Do not refreeze.

Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using ceftriaxone?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

What are the possible side effects of ceftriaxone?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • a seizure (convulsions);
  • severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms, mouth sores;
  • pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine;
  • severe pain in your upper stomach that comes and goes or spreads to your back;
  • a blood cell disorder --skin rash or tight feeling, severe tingling or numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
  • kidney or bladder problems --pain in your side or lower back spreading to your groin, blood in your urine, painful or difficult urination, little or no urine; or
  • severe skin reaction --fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild diarrhea;
  • warmth, tight feeling, or a hard lump where the injection was given;
  • vaginal itching or discharge;
  • rash; or
  • abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ceftriaxone?

Other drugs may interact with ceftriaxone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about ceftriaxone.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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