What does Rocephin (Ceftriaxone) treat?

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From the Guidelines

Rocephin (ceftriaxone) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that treats various bacterial infections, including meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, Rocephin is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. The recommended dosage of Rocephin varies depending on the type and severity of the infection, ranging from 1-2 grams daily for adults, and treatment duration can range from a single dose to 14 days or longer for more severe cases.

Some of the specific infections that Rocephin treats include:

  • Meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae 1
  • Sepsis caused by Neisseria meningitidis and other gram-negative bacteria 1
  • Pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and other gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria 1
  • Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae 1

It's essential to note that Rocephin is typically administered as an injection, either intravenously or intramuscularly, and patients should be aware of potential side effects, including diarrhea, pain at the injection site, and allergic reactions, especially in those with penicillin allergies due to potential cross-reactivity. Additionally, the study 1 mentions that Rocephin is effective for treating Lyme disease, particularly in cases with neurologic involvement or advanced atrioventricular heart block. However, the primary use of Rocephin is for treating severe bacterial infections, and its effectiveness against Lyme disease is secondary to its primary indications.

From the FDA Drug Label

Ceftriaxone for Injection is indicated for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible organisms: LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS ACUTE BACTERIAL OTITIS MEDIA SKIN AND SKIN STRUCTURE INFECTIONS URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (complicated and uncomplicated) UNCOMPLICATED GONORRHEA (cervical/urethral and rectal) PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE BACTERIAL SEPTICEMIA BONE AND JOINT INFECTIONS INTRA-ABDOMINAL INFECTIONS MENINGITIS

Rocephin, also known as Ceftriaxone, treats various bacterial infections, including:

  • Lower respiratory tract infections
  • Acute bacterial otitis media
  • Skin and skin structure infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Uncomplicated gonorrhea
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Bacterial septicemia
  • Bone and joint infections
  • Intra-abdominal infections
  • Meningitis 2

From the Research

Rocephin Treatment Overview

Rocephin, also known as ceftriaxone, is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. The following are some of the infections that Rocephin can treat:

  • Complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections 3
  • Lower respiratory tract infections 3, 4
  • Skin, soft tissue, bone, and joint infections 3, 4
  • Bacteraemia/septicaemia 3
  • Paediatric meningitis due to susceptible organisms 3
  • Gonorrhoea due to non-penicillinase-producing and penicillinase-producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae 3
  • Community-acquired infections including meningitis, pneumonia, and nonresponsive acute otitis media 4
  • Nosocomial infections, including pneumonia, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and as surgical prophylaxis 4

Specific Infections Treated by Rocephin

Rocephin has been shown to be effective against certain types of bacteria, including:

  • Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic bacteria 3
  • Some anaerobic bacteria 3
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae 4
  • Methicillin-susceptible staphylococci 4
  • Haemophilus influenzae 4
  • Moraxella catarrhalis 4
  • Neisseria spp. 4

Limitations of Rocephin

While Rocephin is effective against many types of bacterial infections, it may not be suitable for all types of infections, such as:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, where alternative antibiotics may be preferred 5, 6
  • Infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, where Rocephin may not be effective as sole antibiotic therapy 3
  • Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections, where high doses of Rocephin may be required to achieve bacterial killing 7

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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