ceftriaxone Health Article

How should I use ceftriaxone injection?

Ceftriaxone is given as an injection into a muscle or a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, syringes, and other items used in giving the medicine.

Use the medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

You will need to mix ceftriaxone with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication. Use only the diluent your doctor has recommended.

Do not mix ceftriaxone with any diluent that contains calcium, including a TPN (total parenteral nutrition) solution.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ceftriaxone is usually given for at least 2 days after symptoms disappear.

Ceftriaxone will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

If your medicine was provided in a frozen form or was frozen after mixing, thaw it in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not warm in a microwave or boiling water. Use the medicine as soon as possible after thawing it. Do not refreeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

What should I avoid while using ceftriaxone injection?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

What are the possible side effects of ceftriaxone injection?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• fever or chills;

• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• swelling, pain, or irritation where the injection was given; or

• heartburn, bloating, and severe upper stomach pain that may spread to your back.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

• headache, dizziness;

• sweating; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect ceftriaxone injection?

There may be other drugs that can interact with ceftriaxone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about ceftriaxone.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.