Ceftriaxone

Question 1

Ceftriaxone - Drug class

Answer 1

Antibiotic

Question 2

Ceftriaxone - Pharmacology

Answer 2

Ceftriaxone is a third generation cephalosporin antibiotic with a bactericidal action.

Question 3

Ceftriaxone - Metabolism

Answer 3

Ceftriaxone is excreted as a variety if active and inactive metabolites from the body through urine, bile and faeces.

Question 4

Ceftriaxone - Indications

Answer 4

Suspected Meningococcal septicaemia (with a non-blanching petechial AND/OR purpuric rash).

Question 5

Ceftriaxone - Contraindications

Answer 5

• KSAR or hypersensitivity to cephalosporin drugs
• Known anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction to penicillin based drugs (isolated minor drug rash attributed to penicillin does not contraindicate the use of ceftriaxone).

Question 6

Ceftriaxone - Precautions

Answer 6

Nil

Question 7

Ceftriaxone - Side effects

Answer 7

• Nausea and/or vomiting

- Pain at IM administration site

Question 8

Ceftriaxone - Presentation

Answer 8

Vial (powder) 1g ceftriaxone

Question 9

Ceftriaxone - Onset, duration, half-life

Answer 9

Onset - dose/route variable
Duration - 1 day
Half-life - 5.8-8.7 hours

Question 10

Ceftriaxone - Schedule

Answer 10

S4 restricted drugs

Question 11

Ceftriaxone - Routes of administration

Answer 11

IM, IV, IO

Question 12

Ceftriaxone - Adult dose

Answer 12

IM - 1g. Reconstitute 1g of ceftriaxone with 3.6mL of water for injection in a 10mL syringe to achieve a final concentration of 1g/4mL (250mg/mL). Single dose only.
IV - 1g. Slow push over 3-5 mins. Reconstitute 1g of ceftriaxone with 9.6mL of water for injection in a 10mL syringe to achieve a final concentration of 1g/10mL (100mg/mL). Single dose only.

Question 13

Ceftriaxone - Paed dose

Answer 13

IM - 50mg/kg (rounded up to the nearest 5kg).  Reconstitute 1g of ceftriaxone with 3.6mL of water for injection in a 10mL syringe to achieve a final concentration of 1g/4mL (250mg/mL). Single dose only.
          <5kg - 250mg - 1mL
          5-<10kg - 500mg - 2mL
          10-<15kg - 750mg - 3mL
          >15kg - 1g - 4mL
IV - 50mg/kg (rounded up to the nearest 5kg).  Reconstitute 1g of ceftriaxone with 9.6mL of water for injection in a 10mL syringe to achieve a final concentration of 1g/10mL (100mg/mL). Single dose only.
          <5kg - 250mg - 2.5mL
          5-<10kg - 500mg - 5mL
          10-<15kg - 750mg - 7.5mL
          >15kg - 1g - 10mL

Question 14

Ceftriaxone - Special Notes

Answer 14

All parenteral medications must be prepared in an aseptic manner. The rubber stopper of all vials must be disinfected with an also-swab and allowed to dry before piercing.