Ceftriaxone belongs to a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It kills bacteria by interrupting the integrity of bacterial cell walls. It is used to treat infections, including gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted disease), genital infections, bacterial meningitis, as well as respiratory tract infections, bone and joint infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. Ceftriaxone is also used for the prevention of postoperative infections. Ceftriaxone does not work for virus or fungus infections.
Ceftriaxone is injected through a needle into a vein or muscle as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and frequency depending on your infection.
Susceptible infections
Adult
1-2 g once daily. Increase to 4 g daily in severe infections.
Child over 12 years
Body weight >50 kg: 0.5-1 g once daily. Increase to 4 g daily in severe infections.
Child 15 days – 12 years
Body weight <50 kg: 50-80 mg/kg body weight once daily via IV infusion over at least 30 minutes. Increase to 100 mg/kg for severe infections. Maximum dose is 4 g daily.
Child under 15 days
20-50 mg/kg body weight daily via IV infusion over 60 minutes.
Acute otitis media
Adult
1-2 g daily as a single dose.
Child
Body weight >50 kg: 1-2 g daily as a single dose.
Body weight <50 kg: 50 mg/kg body weight as a single dose.
Uncomplicated gonorrhoea
Adult
250-500 mg as a single dose.
Syphilis
Adult
0.5-1 g once daily.
Child over 12 years
Body weight >50 kg: 0.5-1 g once daily.
Child 15 days – 12 years
Body weight <50 kg: 75-100 mg/kg body weight daily via IV infusion over at least 30 minutes for 10-14 days. Maximum dose is 4 g daily.
Child under 15 days
50 mg/kg body weight daily via IV infusion over 60 minutes.
Lyme disease
Adult
2 g once daily for 14-21 days.
Child over 12 years
Body weight >50 kg: 2 g once daily for 14-21 days.
Child 15 days – 12 years
Body weight <50 kg: 50-80 mg per kg body weight once daily for 14-21 days.
Prevention of surgical infections
Adult
1-2 g to be administered 0.5-2 hours before surgery.
Child over 12 years
Body weight >50 kg: 1-2 g to be administered 0.5-2 hours before surgery.
Child 15 days – 12 years
Body weight <50 kg: 50-80 mg/kg body weight as a single dose before surgery via IV infusion over at least 30 minutes.
Child under 15 days
20-50 mg/kg body weight as a single dose before surgery via IV infusion over 60 minutes.
Common dosing schedule:
Ceftriaxone is usually administered once daily.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Ceftriaxone may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Ceftriaxone is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Ceftriaxone in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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