- Class
- Cephalosporins
- Body system
- Anti-infectives
- Brand names
- Rocephin
What is Ceftriaxone used for?
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Gonorrhea
- Pyelonephritis and complicated urinary infections
- Surgical prophylaxis and serious infections
How Ceftriaxone works
Third-generation cephalosporin: blocks bacterial cell wall synthesis; broad gram-negative coverage and long half-life (once-daily dosing).
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Pain at the injection site
- Gallbladder sludge
Report right away
- Signs of allergy or anaphylaxis
- Severe or watery diarrhea, even weeks after finishing (C. difficile infection)
- Right upper abdominal pain
Nursing considerations for Ceftriaxone
- Ask about allergies; cross-reactivity with penicillin allergy is low but a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin needs the prescriber's review.
- Do not mix with or give at the same time as calcium-containing IV solutions such as lactated Ringer's; contraindicated with IV calcium in neonates.
- For IM use it may be reconstituted with 1% lidocaine; that preparation must never be given IV.
Patient teaching
- Report diarrhea, rash or itching.
- Complete the full course.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Cephalosporins practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Ceftriaxone belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
-
Which IV solution must not be given at the same time as ceftriaxone?
Show answer
Answer A: Lactated Ringer's Ceftriaxone can form a precipitate with calcium; lactated Ringer's contains calcium.
-
Which antibiotic is commonly given within 60 minutes before surgical incision for prophylaxis?
Show answer
Answer C: Cefazolin Cefazolin is the standard prophylaxis for many surgeries, given within 60 minutes before incision.
-
A patient with a history of a mild rash to amoxicillin is ordered cefazolin. What is the best action?
Show answer
Answer C: Confirm the allergy is documented and known to the prescriber, then give it as ordered and monitor Cross-reactivity is low; with a non-severe reaction the prescriber may proceed. The nurse confirms the allergy is documented and that the prescriber knows, then gives the drug and monitors.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ceftriaxone used for?
Community-acquired pneumonia; Meningitis; Gonorrhea; Pyelonephritis and complicated urinary infections.
What drug class is Ceftriaxone?
Ceftriaxone belongs to the class cephalosporins. Third-generation cephalosporin: blocks bacterial cell wall synthesis; broad gram-negative coverage and long half-life (once-daily dosing).
What are the nursing considerations for Ceftriaxone?
Ask about allergies; cross-reactivity with penicillin allergy is low but a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin needs the prescriber's review. Do not mix with or give at the same time as calcium-containing IV solutions such as lactated Ringer's; contraindicated with IV calcium in neonates.
What should patients report while taking Ceftriaxone?
signs of allergy or anaphylaxis; severe or watery diarrhea, even weeks after finishing (C. difficile infection); right upper abdominal pain.