Third-generation antibiotic used against antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Ceftriaxone is a key in ofantibiotic drugused to treatbacterial infections.
It belongs to a class of drugs calledcephalosporin antibiotics.
These third-generation cephalosporins are used to treat bacterial strains that are commonly resistant to other types of antibiotics.
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Ceftriaxone is administered either byintramuscular injection(into a large muscle) or intravenously (into a vein).
Uses
Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning that it can treat many different types of bacteria.
What Is Antibiotic Resistance?
Antibiotic resistance can develop if an antibiotic is overused.
In some cases, there may be no treatment options.
These includeEnterobacterspecies,Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andMethicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA).
For these infections, fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotics like cefepime may be used.
Doing so prevents the overuse of the drug and can slow the development of ceftriaxone resistance.
This is referred to as preoperative prophylaxis.
However, more data is needed to confirm its efficacy.
It is unclear if ceftriaxone can aid in the treatment of any of these conditions.
Having an allergy to other third-generation cephalosporins does not mean that you will be allergic to ceftriaxone.
Nevertheless, ceftriaxone should be used with caution if you are.
If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin in the past, you should never use ceftriaxone.
Ceftriaxone should not be used in newborns withhyperbilirubinemia(highbilirubin).
The drug can then be injected into a large muscle or delivered intravenously into a vein.
If needed, up to 4 grams can be used daily.
The dosage and duration of treatment can vary by the infection being treated.
Some like gonorrhea only required a single 250-mg intramuscular injection.
Others may require prolonged intravenous therapy.
If you are on ceftriaxone, speak to your prescribing healthcare provider about the appropriate duration of treatment.
This usually takes between four and 14 days.
Complicated infections may take longer.
Modifications
Ceftriaxone is cleared from the body both by the kidneys and liver.
Dosage adjustments should not be necessary in patients with impaired liver function or kidney function alone.
Also, ceftriaxone is not removed byperitoneal dialysisor hemodialysis.
In patients undergoing dialysis, no additional supplementary dosing is required following the dialysis treatment.
Close clinical monitoring, however, is recommended for patients with both severe kidney and liver impairment.
Intramuscular injections can also be self-administered at home after receiving instructions.
Intramuscular injections can be delivered into the buttocks, thigh, or other large muscles.
Side Effects
Like all drugs, ceftriaxone may cause side effects.
The common side effects of ceftriaxone are similar to those of other injected or intravenous antibiotics.
Children can sometimes develop gallstones due to an overproduction of bile.
Neurological adverse reactions includeencephalopathyand seizures.
Both are characterized by the rapid and widespread blistering and delamination (peeling) of skin.
Blistering will soon occur, followed by the widespread peeling of skin in sheets.
Warnings and Interactions
Severe cases ofhemolytic anemiahave been reported in people on ceftriaxone therapy.
This is a form ofanemiain which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made.
difficileor had a known exposure.If diarrhea develops during ceftriaxone therapy, treatment should be stopped.
difficileinfection.On rare occasions,C.
difficile-associated diarrhea can lead to pseudomembranous colitis, the potentially fatal inflammation of the large intestine.
It used inappropriately, it can cause more harm than good.
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