From the Research
Ceftriaxone, not Ceftin (which is cefuroxime), is typically administered at a dose of 1 gram intravenously once daily for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). For most adults with CAP requiring hospitalization, this standard dose is recommended, though 2 grams daily may be used in more severe cases. The treatment duration is generally 5-7 days, with longer courses sometimes needed based on clinical response.
Key Considerations
- Ceftriaxone is often combined with a macrolide (like azithromycin) or a respiratory fluoroquinolone to cover atypical pathogens.
- Before administration, clinicians should check for allergies to cephalosporins or penicillins.
- Ceftriaxone works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis and is effective against many common CAP pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Patients should be monitored for improvement in symptoms, including fever, cough, and respiratory rate, with consideration for oral step-down therapy once clinically stable.
Evidence-Based Recommendation
The most recent and highest quality study, 1, supports the use of ceftriaxone 1 g daily as sufficient for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, with similar mortality rates and a decreased rate of C. difficile infection compared to 2 g daily. Another recent study, 2, also recommends ceftriaxone combined with azithromycin as a first-line therapy for hospitalized patients with suspected bacterial CAP and without risk factors for resistant bacteria.
Important Notes
- The choice of antibiotic regimen should consider disease severity and the likelihood of a bacterial infection or resistant infection, as well as the risk of harm from overuse of antibacterial drugs.
- Systemic corticosteroid administration within 24 hours of development of severe CAP may reduce 28-day mortality, as suggested by 2.