Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It attacks bacteria by preventing the build-up of bacterial protection called the cell wall. This protective covering is necessary for the survival of bacteria. Ceftriaxone is usually given by an injection into a muscle or vein as directed by your physician. The dosage is based on the severity of your bacterial infection. Do self-administer the medication and take it only under the guidance of a medical professional. Do not skip doses and undergo full treatment even if you start feeling better. Stopping the medication at early stages makes the infection worse and harder to treat.
It has been noticed in some people that using ceftriaxone may cause side effects like diarrhea, rash, increased white blood cell count (eosinophils), decreased white blood cell count, low blood platelets, and increased liver enzymes. On noticing the side effects discontinue the usage and consult the doctor. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to ceftriaxone and similar medicines. Also, inform the doctor if you had recently received calcium-containing products, had diarrhea after taking antibiotics, inflammation of the bowel, kidney stones, or any other illness. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating as it may have an impact on the child.
Use of Ceftriaxone Sodium Injection
Ceftriaxone belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. By disrupting the cell-wall formation it inhibits bacterial proliferation, thereby treating the infection. The antibiotic is used to treat a range of bacterial infections in the following organs or body parts:
- Brain
- Lungs
- Middle ear
- Abdomen
- Urinary tract
- Kidneys
- Bones
- Joints
- Skin
- Soft tissues
- Blood
- Heart
- Chest
- Lime disease (caused by tick bites)
- Gonorrhea (sexually transmitted disease)
Side Effects of Ceftriaxone Sodium Injection
Usually, there are mild to moderate side effects of ceftriaxone, that do not last for a long time. However, if the side effects persist or get severe, discontinue the medication and immediately seek medical consultation. The list of side effects is given below:
- Diarrhoea
- Rashes
- Changes in results of blood and liver tests
- Abnormalities (increase/decrease) in the number of white blood cells and platelets
Drug Interaction
When two different drugs are taken together, their combined effect may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Therefore, a particular should not be taken along with another drug, unless prescribed by a doctor.
Drug-Drug Interaction:
- Diuretic (furosemide)
- Antibiotic (chloramphenicol)
Drug-Disease Interaction:
- Colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon)
- Hyperbilirubinemia (excess bilirubin in the blood)
- Gall bladder disease
- Pancreatitis
- Seizures
- Kidney
- Liver disease
Precautions and Warnings
1. Avoid consuming alcohol and tobacco with ceftriaxone to prevent unpleasant effects.
2. If you have liver or kidney disorders, consult your doctor for dosage appropriation.
3. Keep the medicine away from children and pets. Properly dispose of discarded and expired medicine.
4. Pregnant and lactating women should not take ceftriaxone without a doctor’s consultation.
5. Do not self-administer the medicine and take it under the guidance of a medical expert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does CEFTRIAXONE work?
CEFTRIAXONE works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell covering, which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, killing the bacteria and helping in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
2. Does CEFTRIAXONE affect blood tests?
