Information on Rocephin and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

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Rocephin Consumer Information

ROCEPHIN

Generic Name: ceftriaxone (sef try ACK sone)

Brand Names: Rocephin, Rocephin IM Convenience Kit

What is the most important information I should know about ceftriaxone?

  • If you are injecting ceftriaxone at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. If you do not understand these directions, do not attempt to inject the medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.

What is ceftriaxone?

  • Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called cephalosporins. Ceftriaxone fights bacteria in the body.
  • Ceftriaxone is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, blood infections, bone and joint infections, meningitis, abdominal infections, skin infections, ear infections, gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease, and urinary tract infections.
  • Ceftriaxone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ceftriaxone?

  • Do not use ceftriaxone if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another cephalosporin or to a penicillin without first talking to your doctor.
  • Before using ceftriaxone, tell your doctor if you have
    • kidney disease;
    • liver disease;
    • bleeding or blood clotting problems;
    • gallbladder problems; or
    • a gastrointestinal (digestive) disease such as colitis.
  • You may not be able to use ceftriaxone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
  • Ceftriaxone is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not, however, use ceftriaxone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
  • Ceftriaxone passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use ceftriaxone?

  • Ceftriaxone will be administered by a healthcare provider intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).
  • If you are injecting ceftriaxone at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. If you do not understand these directions, do not attempt to inject the medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.
  • Dispose of used needles and syringes in a puncture resistant container out of the reach of children.
  • Your healthcare provider will store ceftriaxone as directed by the manufacturer or give you detailed storage instructions if you are storing the medication at home.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • Since ceftriaxone is most often administered by a healthcare provider, missing a dose is usually not a problem.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Since ceftriaxone is most often administered by a healthcare provider, an overdose is unlikely to occur. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

What should I avoid while using ceftriaxone?

  • There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with ceftriaxone unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

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Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.