Ceftriaxone (Injection)

Ceftriaxone (sef-trye-AX-one)

Treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is a cephalosporin.

Brand Name(s):

Rocephin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin, or any type of cephalosporin antibiotic such as cephalexin (Keflex®), Ceftin®, Cefzil®, or Ceclor®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles or veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep the unmixed powder medicine at room temperature, and protect it from light. After the medicine has been mixed with liquid, keep it in the refrigerator. You may take the medicine out of the refrigerator and let it warm to room temperature for one hour before using it. Throw away any unused medicine.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney or liver disease, or a stomach disorder such as colitis.
• If you have diarrhea while using ceftriaxone, ask your doctor before taking medicine to stop the diarrhea.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Diarrhea (mild or severe)
• Right-sided stomach pain, nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite
• Severe diarrhea or vomiting
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness, headache
• Pain, redness or swelling where the shot is given
• Vaginal itching or discharge

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.