Drug reference
ceftriaxone
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Anti Bacterial (Cephalosporins)
Mechanism of action
Third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum gram-negative activity; has lower efficacy against gram-positive organisms but higher efficacy against resistant organisms; highly stable in presence of beta-lactamases (penicillinase and cephalosporinase) of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria;
Common side effects
- Induration after IM injection
- Eosinophilia
- Thrombocytosis
- Elevated hepatic transaminases
- Diarrhea
Contraindications
- Documented hypersensitivity; hyperbilirubinemic neonates, particularly those who are premature; neonates <28 days if they receive calcium-containing IV products Intravenous administration of ceftriaxone solutions containing lidocaine Lidocaine contraindications if lidocaine solution used as s…
- Concomitant calcium-ceftriaxone administration
- Risk of fatal calcium-ceftriaxone precipitant formation in lungs and kidneys of term and preterm neonates <28 days: Do not give any calcium-containing IV drugs or products within 48 hours of ceftriaxone (within 5 days if neonate is <10 days, per Health Canada) >28 days: Calcium may be given i…
Known interactions (5)
- calcium + ceftriaxone Contraindicated
- ceftriaxone + lactated ringer's Contraindicated
- ceftriaxone + Ringer's solution Contraindicated
- ceftriaxone + lactated Ringer's solution Major
- ceftriaxone + warfarin Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is ceftriaxone?
ceftriaxone belongs to: Anti Bacterial.
How does ceftriaxone work?
Third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum gram-negative activity; has lower efficacy against gram-positive organisms but higher efficacy against resistant organisms; highly stable in presence of beta-lactamases (penicillinase and cephalosporinase) of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria;
What are the common side effects of ceftriaxone?
Induration after IM injection, Eosinophilia, Thrombocytosis, Elevated hepatic transaminases, Diarrhea
Which drugs interact with ceftriaxone?
calcium, lactated ringer's, Ringer's solution, lactated Ringer's solution, warfarin
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