Uses of Ceftriaxone

Ceftriaxone is used to treat various bacterial infections and also used to prevent infections, before and after surgery.

Therapeutic Category

Ceftriaxone: Antibiotics

How Ceftriaxone works

Ceftriaxone interferes with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall by binding to specific binding proteins located inside the bacterial cell wall. This leads to breaking down the cell wall of the bacteria and reducing its stability, thus causing cell damage, and eventually causing bacterial elimination.

Common side effects of Ceftriaxone

• abnormalities with white blood cells (such as a decrease of leucocytes and an increase of eosinophils) and platelets
• diarrhea
• thrombocytosis
• leukopenia
• headache
• dizziness
• changes in liver function

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• sudden swelling of the face, throat, lips, or mouth. this can make it difficult to breathe or swallow
• severe rash that develops quickly, with blisters or peeling of the skin and possibly blisters in the mouth
• widespread rash, high body temperature, liver enzyme
• elevations, blood abnormalities (eosinophilia)
• enlarged lymph nodes and other body organs involvement
• jarisch-Herxheimer reaction which causes fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and skin rash

Health Tips for Ceftriaxone

• Follow the recommended dosage and frequency as prescribed by your doctor and do not make any changes without consulting them. Do not abruptly stop taking Ceftriaxone without consulting your healthcare provider
• Drink plenty of water while on Ceftriaxone or any antibiotic. This helps flush out toxins and helps the medication work more effectively
• It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Ceftriaxone. Combining alcohol with antibiotics can lead to increased side effects and may reduce the effectiveness of the medication
• To prevent the spread of infection and promote faster recovery, wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and avoid close contact with people who have infections
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as Ceftriaxone can interact with certain drugs
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding