Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that belongs to the group of third generation cephalosporins and it has a structure and antimicrobial activity that is very similar to that of Cefotaxime and Ceftizoxime. Due to the fact that cephalosporin’s half-life is between 6 and 8 hours, it can be administered via injection, around one or two times daily.
From a molecular point of view, it acts by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial wall. Similar to that of other cephalosporins, this antibiotic has the ability to bind to the transpeptidase enzymes that serve to create the links between the peptidoglycan chains (the polymers essential for the formation of the bacterial wall). In turn, the transpeptidase activity prevents the stability of the bacterial cell wall, leading to the death of the growing bacterial cells.
Because some of its intrinsic characteristics (the presence of methoxyimino group), Ceftriaxone has a natural resistance to the activity of the bacterial beta-lactamases, preserving its antibiotic activity even for the penicillinase-resistant penicillins.
What is Ceftriaxone?
Ceftriaxone is used in treatment of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria that is typically resistant to antibiotic therapy. It is used especially in patients who immune system has been compromised after surgical interventions. It is also used against meningitis and gonorrhea (even in cases where it is caused by penicillinase-resistant strains).
How should Ceftriaxone be taken?
Ceftriaxone is administered by injection (powder and solvent for solution for intramuscular or intravenous injection).
Side effects associated with Ceftriaxone
The most common side effects seen particularly in susceptible and sensitive individuals include the following:
- Local reactions: phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, pain, hardening and brittleness at the injection site;
- Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain;
- Dermatological disorders: rash, hives, dermatitis;
- Neurological disorders: headache, dizziness;
- Hematologic abnormalities: leukopenia, thrombocytosis, anemia ;
- Liver function abnormalities: elevated serum transaminases (SGOT, SGPT), increased bilirubin;
- Allergic reactions: itching, hives, anaphylactic reactions, hypotension, bronchospasm, laryngospasm.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Ceftriaxone
Particular attention should be paid in the administration of this drug in premature infants and early term infants up to 28 days of age; in patients that are hypersensitive to penicillins, cephalosporins and other antibiotics; as well as in patients with jaundice or other diseases characterized as hyperbilirubinemia.
To date, there is no sufficient data to available to detect the possible safe use of Ceftriaxone on the health of the fetus. For this reason, the drug should be prescribed during pregnancy only in extremely necessary cases and always under strict medical supervision. The same is recommended in regards to breast-feeding and the health of the newborn.
