What volume of lidocaine (0.1%) is required to administer 500mg of ceftriaxone (Rocephin)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: April 24, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

To inject 500 mg of rocephin, you need 2 mL of 0.1% lidocaine. Rocephin powder should be reconstituted with lidocaine to reduce injection pain when administered intramuscularly. The standard dilution for 500 mg of rocephin is 2 mL of diluent, which provides a concentration of 250 mg/mL. Using 0.1% lidocaine as the diluent instead of sterile water helps minimize the pain associated with intramuscular injection, as suggested by some health-care providers 1. When preparing the injection, add the lidocaine to the vial containing the rocephin powder, shake well until completely dissolved, and administer immediately. This approach is particularly useful for adult patients receiving intramuscular ceftriaxone, as the lidocaine reduces local discomfort without affecting the antibiotic's efficacy. Key points to consider include:

  • The use of lidocaine as a diluent for intramuscular injections of rocephin
  • The standard dilution of 2 mL for 500 mg of rocephin
  • The importance of shaking the mixture well before administration
  • The benefits of reduced pain with lidocaine use, as noted in the context of ceftriaxone administration 1. Remember that lidocaine should only be used for intramuscular injections of rocephin, never for intravenous administration.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Lidocaine Dosage for Rocephine Injection

To determine the amount of lidocaine 0.1% needed to inject 500 mg of rocephine, we must consider the available evidence.

  • The provided studies do not directly address the specific question of lidocaine dosage for rocephine injection.
  • Studies 2 and 3 discuss the use of lidocaine as a diluent for ceftriaxone, but they do not provide information on the dosage of lidocaine needed for rocephine injection.
  • Study 4 compares the pain associated with ceftriaxone sodium injections using lidocaine hydrochloride and sterile water as diluents, but it does not provide information on the dosage of lidocaine needed for rocephine injection.
  • Study 5 discusses the safety and local tolerability of intramuscularly administered ertapenem diluted in lidocaine, but it does not provide information on the dosage of lidocaine needed for rocephine injection.

Available Information on Lidocaine and Ceftriaxone

  • Study 2 administered ceftriaxone 500 mg in either 2 or 1.4 mL of lidocaine 1% solution.
  • Study 3 investigated the effects of 1% lidocaine as a diluent on the pharmacokinetics and tolerance of ceftriaxone administered intramuscularly.

Conclusion Based on Available Data

There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies do not directly address the specific question of lidocaine dosage for rocephine injection.

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.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.