From the FDA Drug Label
Ceftriaxone is a bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis Ceftriaxone has activity in the presence of some beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown At least 90 percent of the following microorganisms exhibit an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for ceftriaxone. The answer is: Ceftriaxone has bactericidal activity against a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
- Key bacteria affected by ceftriaxone include:
- Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pyogenes
- Anaerobic bacteria such as Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium species 1
From the Research
Bacteria should be treated with antibiotics only when necessary, and the choice of antibiotic should be guided by the severity of the infection and local susceptibility patterns, as evidenced by a study published in 2021 2.
Importance of Antibiotic Stewardship
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have contributed to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, making it essential to use these medications judiciously. A study published in 2021 found that withholding antibiotic therapy until diagnostic results are available and a diagnosis has been established seems acceptable in most cases, unless septic shock or bacterial meningitis are suspected 2.
Treatment Options for Urinary Tract Infections
For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, the recommended first-line empiric antibiotic therapy includes a 5-day course of nitrofurantoin, a 3-g single dose of fosfomycin tromethamine, or a 5-day course of pivmecillinam, as stated in a 2020 study 3.
- Nitrofurantoin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for urinary tract infections, with a 5-day course being the typical treatment duration.
- Fosfomycin tromethamine is another option, with a 3-g single dose being effective for uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
- Pivmecillinam is also a recommended first-line treatment, with a 5-day course being the standard duration.
Recent Innovations in Bacterial Infection Detection and Treatment
Recent developments in detection methods have focused on electrochemical, optical, and mass-based biosensors, while advances in antibacterial treatment have largely focused on targeted and responsive delivery for both antibiotics and antibiotic alternatives, as discussed in a 2021 review 4.
Guideline Concordance for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
A 2021 study found that guideline discordance continues in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections, with the overuse of fluoroquinolones and the underuse of first-line antibiotic agents, highlighting the need for increased education and awareness among physicians 5.
- The study found that obstetricians-gynecologists and urologists had a higher likelihood of concordant treatment than other specialties.
- Patient age was also a factor, with younger patients being more likely to receive guideline-concordant treatment.