Description
Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic drug, used in the treatment of bacterial infections in the brain, lungs, middle ear, abdomen, urinary tract, kidneys, bones, joints, skin, soft tissues, blood, heart, chest, lime disease (caused by tick bites), and sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea. Ceftriaxone inhibits bacterial growth in the body by disrupting cell wall formation, crucial for the survival of the bacterial cell. It belongs to the class of medicines called cephalosporin antibiotics that are only effective in treating bacterial infections and not viral infections such as colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Ceftriaxone injection comes as a powder to be mixed in the liquid or a pre-mixed product, supposed to be injected intravenously (into veins) or intramuscularly (into muscles). Do not self-medicate the medicine, and follow the dosage and duration prescribed by the doctor. Some people may observe side effects such as diarrhea, rash, increased white blood cell count (eosinophils), decreased white blood cell count, low blood platelets, and increased liver enzymes. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Ceftriaxone or similar medicines. Store the injection in a cool and dry place and away from direct sunlight.
Uses of Ceftriaxone Injection
- Bacterial Infection
- Sinus infection
- Endocarditis (infection of the heart lining and valves)
- Chancroid (genital sores caused by bacteria)
- Lyme disease (an infection that is transmitted by tick bites that may cause problems with the heart, joints, and nervous system)
- Relapsing fever (an infection that is transmitted by tick bites that cause repeated episodes of fever)
- Shigella (an infection that causes severe diarrhea)
- Typhoid fever (a serious infection that is common in developing countries)
- Salmonella (an infection that causes severe diarrhea)
- Whipple’s disease
Side Effects of Ceftriaxone Injection
There are mild to temporary side effects of Ceftriaxone, that usually last for a few days. The side effects are individualistic in nature and depend on the health condition and response to the medicine. If the side effects persist or get severe with time, immediately consult your doctor. The list of side effects is given below:
- Diarrhoea
- Rashes
- Changes in results of blood and liver tests
- Abnormalities (increase/decrease) in the number of white blood cells and platelets
- Pain, tenderness, hardness, or warmth in the place where ceftriaxone was injected
- Pale skin, weakness, or shortness of breath when exercising
Precautions and Warnings
1. Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Ceftriaxone as it may lead to negative health consequences.
2. Pregnant women should stay cautious of Ceftriaxone and should consult their doctor before taking the injection.
3. Do not drive when injected with ceftriaxone as it causes dizziness and sleepiness.
4. Lactating mothers should avoid taking ceftriaxone as it may seep into the breast milk and harm the baby.
5. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. Properly dispose of expired and discarded medicines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does Ceftriaxone take to work?
Usually, Ceftriaxone starts working soon after you take it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and relieve your symptoms completely.
2. For how long does Ceftriaxone stay in the body?
Usually, Ceftriaxone stays in the body for around 2 days after completely stopping the medicine.
