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Overview: Ceftriaxone is used to treat certain infections by killing bacteria. It is given by a health care provider as an injection. Diarrhea is a common side effect of ceftriaxone. Sometimes this can be serious. Tell your health care provider right away if you have watery diarrhea, diarrhea that does not go away, severe cramps, or if you have a fever that starts after you are done using ceftriaxone. Before using ceftriaxone, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions. 

Uses

What is ceftriaxone used for?

Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that is commonly used for the following infections caused by certain bacteria.

Ceftriaxone may not be the right medicine for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to ceftriaxone, which will make it not work as well.

Ceftriaxone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does ceftriaxone work (mechanism of action)?

Ceftriaxone kills certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to create their cell wall.

How is ceftriaxone supplied (dosage forms)?

Ceftriaxone is available in the following dosage forms that are injected into a blood vessel or a muscle.

  • 250 mg injection
  • 500 mg injection
  • 1 g injection
  • 2 g injection
  • 10 g injection
  • 100 g injection

How should I store ceftriaxone?

Ceftriaxone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store ceftriaxone at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider. 
 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ceftriaxone?

The most common side effects of ceftriaxone are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea (see below)
  • Changes in levels of certain types of blood cells
  • Changes in liver function tests 

There may be other side effects of ceftriaxone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ceftriaxone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ceftriaxone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ceftriaxone can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Your health care provider will stop using ceftriaxone and will give you emergency treatment if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Nervous System Problems. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves (the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain). Damage to the brain called encephalopathy can happen in people using ceftriaxone. Your health care provider will stop ceftriaxone if you experience any of the following symptoms.

  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Trouble thinking clearly or focusing
  • Sleepiness

Seizures. Some people who have used ceftriaxone have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Your health care provider will stop ceftriaxone if you experience any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including ceftriaxone. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to 2 months after stopping the antibiotic. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your poop
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Blood Disorders. Ceftriaxone may cause your red blood cells to be destroyed, which is called hemolytic anemia. Your health care provider will run tests and stop ceftriaxone if you have hemolytic anemia. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ceftriaxone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who have a severe allergic reaction to any of the following should not use ceftriaxone.

  • Ceftriaxone
  • Rocephin
  • Any other medicine known as a cephalosporin
  • Any other medicine known as a penicillin
  • Any other medicine known as a beta-lactam
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ceftriaxone products they stock.

What should I know about ceftriaxone before using it?

Ceftriaxone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. 

If you will store ceftriaxone at home, do not share it with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep ceftriaxone out of the reach of children.

Children can be at greater risk for some side effects from ceftriaxone. Talk to your health care provider about these risks if your child will be using ceftriaxone.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ceftriaxone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if ceftriaxone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Gallbladder problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Pancreas problems
  • Diabetes
  • Poor nutrition or low levels of vitamin K

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ceftriaxone could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use ceftriaxone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Ceftriaxone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does ceftriaxone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ceftriaxone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ceftriaxone.

Does ceftriaxone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Ceftriaxone may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ceftriaxone?

If you or someone else has used too much ceftriaxone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ceftriaxone?

Ceftriaxone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving ceftriaxone as scheduled.