What it is used for
- Serious chest infections such as some pneumonia
- Severe urinary and kidney infections
- Certain meningitis
- Some sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea
- Serious skin, bone and abdominal infections
- Infections needing hospital treatment
How it works
Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic given by injection or drip. It blocks bacteria from building their cell walls so they break down and die. It is used for more serious infections, often in hospital or a clinic.
How it is taken
Given as an injection into a muscle or as a drip into a vein, usually by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic. It is used exactly as directed by the medical team. There is no standard over-the-counter version; the dosing and schedule are managed by your clinicians.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Pain or hardness where the injection was given
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Rash
- Changes in some blood test results
Serious effects — get help
- Severe allergic reaction with swelling or breathing difficulty
- Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Severe blistering skin reactions
- Pain in the right upper abdomen (rare gallbladder sludge or stones)
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Calcium-containing fluids or supplements given into a vein (especially in newborns)
- Blood thinners such as warfarin
- Some other antibiotics
- Certain vaccines
Who should take care
- Tell the medical team about any penicillin or cephalosporin allergy
- Tell them if you have kidney or liver problems or gallbladder problems
- Special care is needed in newborn babies
- Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with the medical team
- Mention all other medicines you take