Rocephin Injection (Ceftriaxone)

(Rx) Prescription Required- Generic equivalent for Ceftriaxone

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Ceftriaxone Sodium Powder for Solution 1g

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Ceftriaxone Sodium Powder for Solution 1g
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Ceftriaxone Sodium Powder for Solution 2g

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Rocephin Injection (ceftriaxone) Dosage and Side Effects

ROCEPHIN is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that's used to fight bacteria in your body. ROCEPHIN is administered through a vein (IV) or through a shot (muscle injection).

Proper Use of this medication

It's very important that ROCEPHIN is taken in the exact amounts and duration prescribed to avoid developing a new illness that is resistant to antibiotics.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage for you and/or your child, most likely administering it in a hospital or clinical setting.

It's possible that you might be shown how to inject the drug yourself so that you can do it at home.

Do not inject yourself unless you know how to do it, and be sure to dispose of the needles and other used items properly.

Never mix ROCEPHIN in the same injection with other antibiotics, or with any diluent that contains calcium. If you are injecting other drugs, be sure to flush the catheter thoroughly before using a new medicine.

If you think there is any chance that you might have overdosed, go to the emergency room or call the poison help line.

In most cases your doctor will administer this drug. If you are doing it yourself and forget, give yourself an injection as soon as you remember.

However, if it's almost time for the next dose, you must skip it. Never take extra or "double dose" to make up for a missed dose.

Side Effects

All drugs have side effects. In the case of ROCEPHIN, some of the more common problems reported include swelling, redness, pain, or soreness at the injection site.

While not frequent, the medication has been known to cause a loss of appetite, vomiting, headache, diarrhea or nausea. If any of these symptoms continue or get worse, let your doctor know right away.

ROCEPHIN might also produce serious problems like a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat, seizures, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or changes in urination.

Other symptoms could include bruising or bleeding more easily, chest pain, trouble breathing, mood changes like confusion, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

On some occasions, taking ROCEPHIN may cause a severe intestinal infection known as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Contact your doctor right away if you have persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, and/or blood or mucus in your stool. Don't attempt to treat these symptoms on your own unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.

In addition, if you use ROCEPHIN for long periods of time or repeat its use frequently, you could develop a vaginal yeast infection or notice fungus accumulating on the lining of your mouth (thrush).

Let your doctor know if you see white patches in your mouth or experience a change in vaginal discharge.

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are not common.

If you get a rash, experience severe dizziness, have trouble breathing, develop itching or swelling of the face, tongue or throat, seek medical help right away.

Warnings and Precautions

Never give any calcium-containing products by vein to a newborn under one month of age if the infant is also being given ROCEPHIN. Doing so could cause serious damage to the baby's vital organs.

ROCEPHIN is also not recommended for newborns with high bilirubin levels.

Before starting ROCEPHIN, it's key that you determine whether you might be allergic to it or similar antibiotics including:

  • Cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin)
  • Cefprozil (Cefzil)
  • Cefaclor (Raniclor)
  • Cefazolin (Ancef)
  • Cefadroxil (Duricef)
  • Cefditoren (Spectracef)
  • Cefpodoxime (Vantin)
  • Ceftibuten (Cedax)
  • Cephalexin (Keflex)
  • Cephradine (Velosef)
  • Cefdinir (Omnicef)

If you're allergic to penicillin, it's possible that you will have an allergic reaction to ROCEPHIN.

Never use this medication if there is any chance of an allergic reaction without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist first.

A few months after you receive the last shot of ROCEPHIN you may get diarrhea or colitis.

If you get diarrhea while taking this medicine and you notice that it is watery or contains blood, call your doctor right away. Do not stop taking any medication without first speaking to your physician.

You might also develop hemolytic anemia, which destroys your red blood cells and could affect your blood's clotting time. Your doctor may monitor your blood clotting time while you're using this drug.

Taking ROCEPHIN could also cause gallbladder problems, which are usually temporary and reverse once treatment ends. Your pancreas might also become inflamed (pancreatitis), especially in you have underlying biliary problems.

Never stop taking ROCEPHIN until you have completed your entire dosing regimen. Quitting or stopping prematurely could put you at risk of a serious or life-threatening infection that might be resistant to antibiotics.

To help your doctor decide if ROCEPHIN is right for you, it's key that you give him/her a complete medical history, including the following conditions:

  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Diabetes
  • Stomach or intestinal disorder
  • Colitis
  • Inflamed colon
  • Anemia

You should also tell your doctor about any blood clotting problems as well as whether you are malnourished.

ROCEPHIN and Pregnancy

It's unknown how ROCEPHIN affects pregnant women, so it's extremely important that you let your doctor know if you're pregnant or might become pregnant while on this medication.

If you take this medication while breastfeeding it will pass into your breast milk, so be sure to let your doctor know if you plan to breastfeed while using ROCEPHIN.

Interactions with this medication

A number of drugs are known to interact with ROCEPHIN, changing the way it works or increasing the possibility of serious side effects.

That's why it's key that you provide your physician with a complete list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, including vitamins, herbal supplements, and illegal or recreational drugs.

Aminoglycoside antibiotics like tobramycin (Tobi or Tobrex) and gentamicin (Gentak or Garamycin) are known to interact with ROCEPHIN.

Blood thinners like warfarin (Jantoven or Coumadin) are also known to produce interactions along with live bacterial vaccines, and calcium-containing IV fluids.

In addition, some antibiotics are known to decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. Talk to your doctor about whether you might want to switch to another type of birth control while using ROCEPHIN.

You should be aware that the medication could affect your urine glucose test as well as other laboratory diagnostics so be sure to tell all lab personnel and doctors that you are taking ROCEPHIN.

There are no specific foods that you have to avoid while using this medicine.

However, ROCEPHIN could impact your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. You should hold off on doing both until you know how this drug will affect you.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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