Ceftriaxone

Ceftriaxone is a commonly used injectable antibiotic in the cephalosporin class. It kills many kinds of bacteria and is handy because it often works with one daily dose. Clinicians use it for pneumonia, meningitis, severe urinary and abdominal infections, gonorrhea, and sepsis.

How it's given and typical doses: ceftriaxone is delivered by IV or IM. For many adult infections the usual dose is 1–2 grams once daily. Severe infections such as meningitis or some bloodstream infections may need 2 grams every 12 hours. For uncomplicated gonorrhea a single IM dose (recent guidelines often recommend 500 mg) is common; check local guidance. Pediatric doses are weight-based and set by the prescriber.

What to watch for

Common side effects include diarrhea, rash, injection-site pain, and mild liver enzyme bumps. A less common issue is biliary sludging, which can cause abdominal pain or jaundice after high doses or long courses. Watch for allergic signs — hives, swelling, trouble breathing — and get emergency care if they appear. Tell your provider about any penicillin allergy; some people with penicillin allergy can still react to cephalosporins.

Key safety notes: never mix ceftriaxone directly with calcium-containing IV fluids in newborns and young infants — the combo can form dangerous precipitates. In adults, protocols vary, so follow hospital guidance. The drug is cleared by both liver and kidney, so dose adjustment for kidney disease alone is usually not required; however, combined severe liver and kidney impairment needs careful review.

Practical tips and alternatives

If you get ceftriaxone as an injection, ask whether it’s a single dose or part of a daily IV plan. Finish the prescribed course unless your clinician tells you otherwise — stopping early can let bacteria return. If you develop severe watery diarrhea or fever after antibiotics, mention it right away because it could signal C. difficile infection.

Alternatives depend on the infection and allergy history. Cefotaxime and cefepime are other cephalosporins used for similar problems. For patients with true beta-lactam allergy, aztreonam or other non–beta-lactam agents may be chosen. Your clinician will pick the right drug based on the likely bug and local resistance patterns.

Storage and pregnancy: store the powdered drug per the label and follow pharmacy instructions for reconstitution; once mixed, use within the recommended time or refrigerate as directed. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Ceftriaxone is often used when needed, but discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. Keep an updated medication list and tell any new provider you recently received ceftriaxone, so they know about recent antibiotic exposure. Ask questions — your health matters most.