From the FDA Drug Label
SKIN AND SKIN STRUCTURE INFECTIONS Caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Viridans group streptococci, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii,1Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Bacteroides fragilis1or Peptostreptococcus species
Ceftriaxone is effective for treating skin and skin structure infections, including those caused by common pathogens that can cause cellulitis, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes 1.
From the Research
Yes, ceftriaxone is effective for treating cellulitis, as demonstrated by the most recent and highest quality study available 2. This study, published in 2019, compared the efficacy and safety of intravenous ceftriaxone at home versus intravenous flucloxacillin in hospital for children with cellulitis, and found that home treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone is not inferior to treatment in hospital with intravenous flucloxacillin. Some key points to consider when using ceftriaxone for cellulitis include:
- Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that works well against the common bacteria that cause skin infections, particularly Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species.
- For adults, a typical dose is 1-2 grams given once daily, usually administered intravenously or intramuscularly.
- Treatment duration typically ranges from 5-14 days, depending on the severity of the infection and clinical response.
- Ceftriaxone is particularly useful for moderate to severe cellulitis cases requiring hospitalization or when oral antibiotics have failed.
- However, it's essential to note that ceftriaxone may not cover methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), so if MRSA is suspected or prevalent in your area, additional coverage with antibiotics like vancomycin might be necessary.
- Side effects can include gastrointestinal symptoms, allergic reactions, and rarely, biliary sludging with prolonged use.
- For mild cases of cellulitis, oral antibiotics are typically preferred due to convenience and cost considerations. Other studies, such as those published in 1991 3, 2002 4, 1984 5, and 1985 6, also support the use of ceftriaxone for treating cellulitis, but the 2019 study 2 provides the most recent and highest quality evidence.