What is Ceftriaxone (Ceftriaxone is a third-generation Cephalosporin antibiotic)?

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Last updated: April 30, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Ceftrioxane is not a legitimate or recognized antibiotic medication in clinical medicine, and the medication that most closely resembles this name is ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. The medication ceftriaxone is commonly used to treat various bacterial infections, including meningitis, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and sepsis, as stated in the study published in the journal Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery 1. Ceftriaxone works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial cell death. It is typically administered via injection (intravenous or intramuscular) at doses ranging from 1-2 grams daily for adults, with treatment duration varying from a single dose (for certain STIs) to several weeks depending on the infection being treated. Some key points to consider when using ceftriaxone include:

  • It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens, as noted in the study published in the journal Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 1.
  • It is commonly used to treat community-acquired spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, with a resolution rate of approximately 90%, as stated in the study published in the journal Hepatology 1.
  • The standard treatment duration is 5 to 10 days, but this may vary depending on the symptoms and/or results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing, as recommended in the study published in the journal Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 1. If you're seeking information about antibiotics for a specific condition, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can prescribe an appropriate medication with the correct name, dosage, and duration based on your specific medical needs.

From the FDA Drug Label

Ceftriaxone for Injection is indicated for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible organisms The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Definition and Characteristics of Ceftriaxone

  • Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including some anaerobic bacteria 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • It has a long elimination half-life, which allows for once-daily administration 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • Ceftriaxone is administered intravenously or intramuscularly and is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and meningitis 2, 3, 4, 5.

Spectrum of Activity

  • Ceftriaxone has excellent activity against many Gram-negative aerobic bacilli, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Haemophilus influenzae 4.
  • It also has good activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, methicillin-susceptible staphylococci, and Neisseria spp. 3.
  • However, its activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa is limited, and it is not recommended as sole therapy for pseudomonal infections 2.

Clinical Uses

  • Ceftriaxone has been used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • It is also effective against gonorrhea and has been used as single-dose chemoprophylaxis in surgical procedures 4, 5.
  • Ceftriaxone has been shown to be effective in both community-acquired and nosocomial infections 3.

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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