Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that has a strong effect. It comes from the 3rd generation cephalosporins and can be used against various infections caused by bacteria. These include, for example, meningitis (meningitis) or blood poisoning (sepsis).

Ceftriaxone was developed by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Hoffmann-LaRoche in the early 1980s. In 1982, the antibiotic came onto the market and was sold as an injection preparation. Several generics are also offered.

Pharmacological action

The effect of ceftriaxone is somewhat extended in the gram-negative range compared to cephalosporins, which originate from the 1st and 2nd generation. In contrast, there is a slight weakening in the gram-positive range. Gram-negative and Gram-positive mean the different staining reactions in laboratory tests. As part of a special staining process, gram-positive bacteria are colored blue, while gram-negative bacteria are colored red, which is due to the different cell structures of the germs.Ceftriaxone is counted among the beta-lactam antibiotics. The drug has the property of inhibiting the build-up of their cell walls during the growth period of the bacteria. In the process, proteins that bind penicillin are blocked, resulting in the death of the pathogen.

Ceftriaxone is a Beitbandcephalosporin. This means that it can be used to treat many different types of bacteria. The antibiotic can also be used against bacteria that are equipped with the protein beta-lactamase, which inhibits the effectiveness of other cephalosporins.

Because ceftriaxone is difficult to absorb from the intestine , it must be administered by infusion . In this way, the active ingredient gets directly into the patient ‘s bloodstream . After ceftriaxone has bound to plasma proteins, it is distributed throughout the organism.

While 60 percent of the drug leaves the body in the urine , the rest is excreted in the bile and stool . It takes about six to eight hours for about 50 percent of the ceftriaxone to leave the body.

Medical Application & Use

Ceftriaxone is used to treat various bacterial infections . These include diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) such as bacterial meningitis, pronounced infections in the ear, nose and throat area, abdominal infections, blood poisoning, infections of the urinary tract and kidneys and an outbreak of Lyme disease . The antibiotic is also suitable for treating infections in joints and bones .

As already mentioned, ceftriaxone is administered through the administration of an infusion. The drug is injected either intravenously into a vein or intramuscularly into a muscle . The dosage of the drug depends on the type and extent of the disease and the age of the person affected. In the case of kidney failure , the dose may need to be reduced. How long ceftriaxone is administered is determined individually by the doctor treating you.

Risks & side effects

Taking ceftriaxone can sometimes cause unwanted side effects . In most cases, this involves precipitation of the ceftriaxone calcium salts within the gallbladder and the formation of gallstones . Children in particular are affected.Other side effects that frequently occur are chills , drug fever , joint pain , headache , reddening of the skin , skin rash , itching , edema (water retention) in the tissue, hives , inflammation of the vein wall , hot flushes , nausea and pain at the injection site.

An increase in liver values ​​is also not uncommon. Occasionally, loss of appetite , nausea , vomiting , diarrhea , frequent urination , inflammation of the tongue , inflammation of the oral mucosa , loose stools and fungal infections in the mouth or pubic region also occur.

If ceftriaxone is given for a long time, the colon can become infected with resistant bacteria. A fungal infection of this region is also possible, which in turn leads to intestinal inflammation associated with diarrhea. In addition, there is a risk of superinfection .

Ceftriaxone should not be used if the patient is hypersensitive to the active ingredient or other beta-lactam antibiotics. If the person concerned suffers from other allergies , a consultation with the doctor must be made before taking the drug.

Ceftriaxone is able to cross the mother’s placenta and enter the amniotic fluid during pregnancy . However, damage to unborn children has not yet been recorded as a result. Nevertheless, pregnant women are only recommended to take the antibiotic on the express advice of a doctor, which is particularly true at the beginning of pregnancy.

Caution is also required when breastfeeding . The active ingredient can get into breast milk in small quantities and thus be passed on to the baby. As a result, there is a risk of diarrhea or colonization with yeasts that cause intestinal inflammation. Sometimes there is also a sensitization to ceftriaxone, which can lead to an impairment of the effectiveness of a later administration.

Babies who are taking calcium treatment at the same time should not receive ceftriaxone. There is a risk of chemical intolerance, sometimes with serious consequences.

Interactions with other medicines are also possible when taking ceftriaxone. For example, the drug is weakened or nullified if the patient is also taking anti-growth antibiotics. For this reason, the intake of erythromycin , chloramphenicol , sulfonamides or tetracyclines should be avoided. Conversely, ceftriaxone causes a weakening of hormonal preparations that are used to prevent pregnancy.