Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. The 1g injection formulation is commonly used in clinical settings for its effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens.
Key Uses
Ceftriaxone is indicated for the treatment of:
- Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Including pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Skin and Skin Structure Infections: Effective for conditions such as cellulitis and abscesses.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Treats infections caused by susceptible organisms.
- Bone and Joint Infections: Such as osteomyelitis and septic arthritis.
- Intra-abdominal Infections: Including peritonitis.
- Meningitis: Effective against infections of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Sepsis: Used in severe systemic infections.
Mechanism of Action
Ceftriaxone works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins, disrupting the construction of the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell lysis and death.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults: The typical dosage is 1 to 2 grams, administered once daily or divided into two doses, depending on the severity of the infection.
- Pediatric Patients: For children, the dosage is generally based on weight, often around 50 mg/kg for serious infections, given once daily or divided into two doses.
Ceftriaxone can be administered via:
- Intravenous (IV) Injection: Administered over 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Intramuscular (IM) Injection: May be mixed with lidocaine for comfort.
Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
- Pain or tenderness at the injection site
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Rash
- Allergic reactions (in rare cases)
Serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, liver dysfunction, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
Warnings and Precautions
- Contraindications: Not suitable for individuals with known hypersensitivity to ceftriaxone or other cephalosporins.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare provider before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Renal Impairment: Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with impaired kidney function.
Storage
Store Ceftriaxone injection at room temperature (below 25°C), away from moisture and direct sunlight. Once reconstituted, it should be used promptly or stored in accordance with specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
