Ceftriaxone

Question 1

What is ceftriaxone?

Answer 1

Ceftriaxone (vial powder 1g) is a 3rd generation cephalosporin antibiotic with bactericidal action.

Excreted through urine, bile & faeces.

Question 2

Indications for ceftriaxone?

Answer 2

1. Suspected meningococcal septicaemia

with non-blanching petechial and/or purpuric rash

Question 3

Contraindications for ceftriaxone?

Answer 3

Absolute:

• Allergy/ADR to cephalosporin antibiotics
• Known immediate or severe hypersensitivity to penicillin or carbapenem based drugs

Relative:
(requires consult with the QAS clinical consult line)
- Patients less than 1 month of age

Question 4

Precautions for ceftriaxone?

Answer 4

1. Any allergy or hypersensitivity to penicillin or carbapenem (isolated drug rash attributed to penicillin does not contraindicate the use of ceftriaxone)

Question 5

Side effects of ceftriaxone?

Answer 5

1. Pain / inflammation at the injection site

Question 6

What is the dose of ceftriaxone for an adult?

Answer 6

2g (2 x 1g injections) IM or IV

Slow push over 5 min for IV
Single dose only

Question 7

What is the dose of ceftriaxone for a paediatric?

Answer 7

50 mg/kg (rounded to the nearest 5kg)

Total max dose 1g
(remember to notify the hospital if only part of the dose has been given)

Preparation:
Reconstitute 1g with 2.4mL of water for injection or lidocaine 1% . Withdraw the required dose from the vial using a 3mL syringe.