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
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kidney disease;
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liver disease;
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bleeding or blood clotting problems;
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gallbladder problems; or
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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.
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.
Do not use any ceftriaxone that is discolored, has particles in it, or looks different from your previous doses. Throw away any unused ceftriaxone after the amount of time determined by your pharmacist or doctor.
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.
Talk to your doctor if you miss a dose.
If you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; hives; or a rash);
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rash, redness, or itching;
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severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
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mucous or blood in the stool; or
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unusual bleeding or bruising.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience
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mild nausea or diarrhea;
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yeast infection of the mouth or vagina; or
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pain or tenderness at the injection site.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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.
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with ceftriaxone unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Before using ceftriaxone, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines
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probenecid (Benemid);
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a loop diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide, bumetanide (Bumex), torsemide (Demadex), or ethacrynic acid (Edecrin);
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warfarin (Coumadin); or
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another antibiotic.
You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ceftriaxone. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.