by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: November 10, 2010

Ceftriaxone is an intravenous antibiotic prescribed in serious bacterial infections. It is used to treat infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease, septicemia and meningitis. In addition it is used in infection of lungs, ears, bones and abdomen. Other than that it is used to prevent serious infections from occurring, after surgical procedures.

How ceftriaxone works?

This is in a drug class called third generation cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.

What are the common side effects?

One of the commonest problems associated with this medication is injection site irritation. In addition, this medication can cause serious problems, if it goes out of the vein. So if you got redness, swelling and pain in your injection site then you must inform that to your health care provider right away.

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are other commonest side effects. In addition, headache, dizziness, sweating and flushing can occur. Inform your doctor if above symptoms are not going away.

What are the uncommon side effects?

Excessive sleepiness, myoclonic jerks (type of seizure), and generalized seizures, have been reported with Ceftriaxone. Although these side effects are rare, they can occur with renal impairment.

In addition, kidney pain, urethral pain, difficulty in urination, vaginal candidiasis (fungal infection in vagina) and excessive vaginal discharge have been reported rarely with Ceftriaxone therapy.

What are the dangerous side effects?

In addition Ceftriaxone changes the composition of intestinal normal bacterial flora (mixture of friendly and not so friendly bacteria which are important in disease prevention and proper immune function). This can result in pseudomembranous colitis. It is a serious problem characterized by bloody and foul smelling diarrhea, stomach pain and stomach bloating.

Allergic reactions have been reported in certain patients. These include rashes, itching, redness, and hives. More severe reactions include Steven Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and anaphylactic reaction.

If you are having breathing difficulty, severe itching and lots of hives, skin peeling off from your body and faintish ness following Ceftriaxone therapy then you must inform your doctor right away.

What are the Side effects in children?

Ceftriaxone is not recommended for children under one year of age.

Pregnancy and breast feeding

If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breast feeding then inform that to your doctor. In addition, if you happen to get pregnant while on this drug you must also tell that to your doctor.

Summary

Ceftriaxone is an intravenous antibiotic prescribed in serious infections. It can cause some side effects, but it is a lifesaving drug in most instances.

Sources

BNF

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