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Ceftriaxone: uses, side effects & brands
Ceftriaxone is a powerful injectable cephalosporin for serious infections in hospital. It belongs to the Cephalosporin antibiotic group. Cephalosporins are a large family of antibiotics for many bacterial infections.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Cephalosporin antibiotic |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Serious bacterial infections such as meningitis and pneumonia
- Typhoid fever
- Gonorrhoea
- Preventing infection around surgery
Common brand names
- India: Monocef, Oframax, Cefaxone
- Worldwide: Rocephin
Common side effects
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
Before taking it — precautions
- Given only as an injection, usually in hospital or a clinic
- Tell your doctor about penicillin or cephalosporin allergy, and liver or gallbladder disease
- Not given with calcium-containing drips in newborns
When to see a doctor urgently
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheezing or a widespread rash (urgent)
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea
- Severe tummy pain or yellow eyes (gallbladder problem)
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of ceftriaxone depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Why is ceftriaxone given as an injection?
It is not absorbed from the gut, so it must be given into a vein or muscle.
Is ceftriaxone used for typhoid?
Yes, it is commonly used to treat typhoid fever in India.
Can ceftriaxone affect the gallbladder?
Rarely, it can form sludge in the gallbladder, causing tummy pain. This usually settles after stopping.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.