Ceftriaxone is a prescription antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs known as cephalosporins. It is formulated to combat a wide range of bacteria. As a broad-spectrum antibiotic, it is frequently utilized when other antibiotics may not be effective due to bacterial resistance. This medication works by disrupting the formation of bacterial cell walls, which leads to the death of the targeted bacteria.
What Infections Does Ceftriaxone Treat?
Ceftriaxone is reserved for treating specific and often serious bacterial infections. It is a common treatment for sexually transmitted infections like uncomplicated gonorrhea and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Healthcare providers also use it to manage bacterial meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and certain bone and joint infections.
The medication is also effective against bacteria that cause severe skin infections and complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). For patients with advanced stages of Lyme disease, ceftriaxone can be part of the treatment plan. It is also administered for serious respiratory infections like bacterial pneumonia and in cases of sepsis. In some instances, it is given before surgery as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of a post-operative infection.
How Ceftriaxone is Administered
Because ceftriaxone is not available in an oral form, it must be administered by injection or infusion. One common method is an intramuscular (IM) injection into a large muscle, such as the glute or thigh. This method is known for being painful. To mitigate the pain, healthcare providers often reconstitute the powdered ceftriaxone with lidocaine, a local anesthetic that helps lessen the stinging sensation.
The second method of administration is an intravenous (IV) infusion. In this approach, the medication is diluted and delivered directly into a vein over 30 minutes. An IV infusion avoids the localized muscle pain associated with an IM injection and is often used in a hospital setting for more severe infections.
Common Side Effects Reported by Patients
A frequent topic in reviews is the pain, soreness, and warmth at the site of an intramuscular injection, which can linger for a few days. For intravenous administration, some individuals experience redness, swelling, or tenderness along the vein where the IV was placed.
Beyond site reactions, gastrointestinal issues are among the most commonly mentioned side effects. Many patients report experiencing diarrhea, which is typically mild and resolves after treatment ends. Nausea and vomiting are also noted by those receiving the antibiotic. Headaches and dizziness are other general side effects that have been reported.
Changes in blood counts can occur, though they may not produce noticeable symptoms. A temporary increase or decrease in certain types of white blood cells is a possible side effect. It is also known to sometimes cause a decrease in red blood cells. These changes are typically monitored by healthcare providers during treatment.
Serious Reactions and Important Warnings
While less common, ceftriaxone can cause serious adverse events that require immediate medical attention. A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, is a risk. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include the sudden development of hives, difficulty breathing or wheezing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. These signs indicate a medical emergency.
Another significant concern is the development of severe, watery diarrhea, which can be a sign of an infection caused by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). This condition, known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, is more intense than the milder diarrhea commonly reported and may be accompanied by intense stomach cramps and fever. It can occur even up to two months after finishing the antibiotic course.
It is important for patients to inform their healthcare provider of any known allergies, especially to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics. Disclosing all current medications is also necessary, as ceftriaxone can interact with other drugs. In particular, it must not be co-administered with intravenous calcium-containing solutions, as this can lead to dangerous precipitation in the lungs and kidneys.