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Brand Names: Rocephin

Generic Name: ceftriaxone (Pronunciation: SEF trye AX one)

• What is ceftriaxone injection (Rocephin)?
• What are the possible side effects of ceftriaxone injection (Rocephin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ceftriaxone injection (Rocephin)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using ceftriaxone injection (Rocephin)?
• How should I use ceftriaxone injection (Rocephin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Rocephin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Rocephin)?
• What should I avoid while using ceftriaxone injection (Rocephin)?
• What other drugs will affect ceftriaxone injection (Rocephin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ceftriaxone injection (Rocephin)?

Ceftriaxone is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Ceftriaxone injection is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms such as meningitis.

Ceftriaxone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ceftriaxone injection (Rocephin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• fever or chills;
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, confusion or weakness;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• swelling, pain, or irritation where the injection was given; or
• chalky-colored stools, stomach pain just after eating a meal, nausea, heartburn, bloating, and severe upper stomach pain that may spread to your back.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• headache, dizziness;
• pain or swelling in your tongue;
• sweating; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ceftriaxone injection (Rocephin)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ceftriaxone, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, gallbladder problems, a stomach or intestinal disorder, or if you are malnourished.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ceftriaxone is usually continued for at least 2 days after symptoms disappear.

Ceftriaxone will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.