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Ceftriaxone Precautions and Warnings

There are numerous ceftriaxone precautions and warnings to be aware of. For example, about 10 percent of people who are allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to ceftriaxone. Also, ceftriaxone can interact with other medicines, and it is known to cause pseudomembranous colitis (severe diarrhea) in some people and increase the chance of developing vaginal yeast infections.

 

Ceftriaxone: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking ceftriaxone (Rocephin®) if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Ceftriaxone and Pregnancy)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Will be having any surgery
  • Have any allergies. This includes allergies to:
o Ceftriaxone
o Other cephalosporins
o Penicillin
o Other types of antibiotics.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Some Ceftriaxone Precautions and Warnings

Some precautions and warnings to be aware of with ceftriaxone include:
 
  • Ceftriaxone can interact with certain medications (see Ceftriaxone Drug Interactions).
     
  • About 10 percent of people who are allergic to penicillins may also be allergic to ceftriaxone. Therefore, let you healthcare provider know if you are allergic to penicillin. Also, if taking ceftriaxone, let your healthcare provider know if you develop any unexplained rash, itchy skin, hives, wheezing, swelling of the throat, or difficulty breathing.
     
  • Ceftriaxone is considered a pregnancy Category B medicine. This means that it has not been studied in pregnant women. When studied in animals, however, ceftriaxone showed no negative effects on unborn babies. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider before using ceftriaxone.
     
  • Ceftriaxone is known to pass through breast milk. Therefore, nursing while taking ceftriaxone is not recommended.

 

  • Ceftriaxone can bind to calcium and calcium-containing products, causing dangerous deposits in the kidneys and lungs. Calcium and calcium-containing products should not be taken with ceftriaxone or within 48 hours of stopping ceftriaxone.

     
  • Many antibiotics -- including ceftriaxone -- have been known to cause pseudomembranous colitis (severe diarrhea). If you experience severe, watery diarrhea, blood in your stools, stomach pain, and/or a low-grade fever, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
     
  • While taking antibiotics, other infections have been known to occur. If you notice any unrelated symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider.
     
  • Taking ceftriaxone has been known to increase the chance of developing vaginal yeast infections.
     
  • Never take outdated ceftriaxone. Taking any outdated medication may cause serious problems because the intended effects often change after the medicine expires.
     
(Ceftriaxone Precautions and Warnings Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;