From the FDA Drug Label
The usual adult daily dose is 1 to 2 grams given once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day) depending on the type and severity of infection. For the treatment of acute bacterial otitis media, a single intramuscular dose of 50 mg/kg (not to exceed 1 gram) is recommended
The recommended dosing for ceftriaxone (Rocephin) for an adult male weighing 81.6 kilograms with otitis media and pharyngitis is 1 to 2 grams per day, given once a day or in divided doses twice a day, depending on the severity of the infection. For otitis media, a single intramuscular dose of 50 mg/kg (which would be approximately 4.08 grams for a 81.6 kg patient, but not to exceed 1 gram) is recommended 1.
From the Research
For an adult male weighing 180 pounds (approximately 82 kg) with an ear infection and throat pain, the recommended dose of ceftriaxone is typically 1-2 grams administered once daily, either intravenously or intramuscularly, for 5-7 days. For most uncomplicated ear infections (otitis media) and pharyngitis, a dose of 1 gram daily is usually sufficient. The medication should be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against many common pathogens that cause ear and throat infections. It's essential to note that before starting ceftriaxone, the healthcare provider should confirm whether the infection is bacterial rather than viral, as antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. Additionally, the patient should complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before completion. Side effects may include pain at the injection site, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. If the patient has a history of severe penicillin allergy, caution should be exercised as there is potential for cross-reactivity with cephalosporins.
Some key points to consider when treating otitis media and pharyngitis with ceftriaxone include:
- The choice of antibiotic should target common pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis 2.
- Ceftriaxone has been shown to be effective in treating nonresponsive acute otitis media caused by penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae 3.
- The 2021 CDC STI Treatment Guidelines recommend 500mg ceftriaxone intramuscularly once for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea at all anatomic sites, but this may not be directly applicable to otitis media and pharyngitis 4.
- It's crucial to weigh the priorities of treating the individual, protecting the population, and preventing antimicrobial resistance when selecting an antibiotic regimen.
In terms of specific dosing, the most recent and highest quality study available does not provide explicit guidance on ceftriaxone dosing for otitis media and pharyngitis. However, based on the available evidence, a dose of 1-2 grams administered once daily for 5-7 days is a reasonable recommendation. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for each individual patient.