Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the lungs, brain, ear, bone and joints, skin or bladder.
This medicine is also used to treat certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as syphilis and gonorrhoea.
Ceftriaxone may also be used to treat Lyme disease (an infection transmitted to people through the bite of infected ticks).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Ceftriaxone injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) or intramuscularly (into the muscle).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Ceftriaxone must be administered at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Ceftriaxone.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Ceftriaxone or any other similar antibiotics such as cefuroxime, cefixime, cefalexin, or penicillin antibiotics.
Do not give this medicine to premature newborns, and to newborns (up to 28 days of age) who have yellowing of the skin or eyes, high levels of acid and bilirubin in the blood, low levels of blood albumin and if they require calcium treatment given into the vein unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
Ceftriaxone preparations containing lidocaine (medicine to block pain and sensation) must not be given intravenously (into the vein).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of stomach or bowel problems e.g. colitis (inflammation of the lining of the colon or large intestine)
- history of kidney stones
- hypercalciuria (high calcium level in the urine)
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ceftriaxone to a baby or child. They may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. test for sugar levels in the urine), inform your doctor that you are using this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver or kidney function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with Ceftriaxone. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of allergic reactions may also be needed.
Ceftriaxone may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, taste disturbances, and pain or tenderness at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- severe watery or bloody diarrhoea accompanied by stomach pain or fever
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, pain in the lower back or side
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- certain antibiotics e.g. amikacin
- sodium picosulfate (medicine for constipation)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ceftriaxone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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