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Ceftriaxone Coupon - Ceftriaxone 1g vial

ceftriaxone

Generic Rocephin
Used for Skin Infection, Ear Infection, Bacterial Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Meningitis, Gastrointestinal Infection
Used for Skin Infection, Ear Infection, Bacterial Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Meningitis, Gastrointestinal Infection

Ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly used antibiotics because of its low risk for side effects and its ability to treat several types of bacterial infections. Ceftriaxone is an injection given either into the veins or into the muscle, so it's used most often in the hospital or a clinic setting (e.g., nursing home, provider's office). But it can also be used at home in certain situations. The dosage depends on the type and severity of your infection, but it's usually given once per day. If you have a penicillin allergy, you might still be able to receive ceftriaxone depending on your reaction to penicillin.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 22, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Ceftriaxone?

What is Ceftriaxone used for?

How Ceftriaxone works

Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making a covering around themselves for protection.

Are you looking for information on cefixime (Suprax) instead?
When does Ceftriaxone start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRocephin (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassCephalosporin antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$16.48(save 62.93%)
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$6.11
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What are the side effects of Ceftriaxone?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

Other Side Effects

  • Inflammation at or near the injection site
  • Pain at injection site
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Fever

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
  • Nervous system side effects: hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), seizures, sudden and brief involuntary movements or twitching, not able to speak, confusion
  • C. difficile-related diarrhea: fever, stomach pain or cramps, foul-smelling diarrhea, frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times per day)
When do Ceftriaxone possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Pain at injection site
Diarrhea

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

chest pain

chills

cough

fever

painful or difficult urination

shortness of breath

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

swollen glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Diarrhea

Rare

Abdominal or stomach cramps or tenderness

back, leg, or stomach pains

bleeding gums

bloating

blood in the urine or stools

bloody nose

bluish color

changes in skin color

clay-colored stools

convulsions

cough or hoarseness

dark urine

diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody

difficulty with breathing

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

feeling of discomfort

feeling of warmth

fever with or without chills

general body swelling

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

headache

hives

increased sweating

increased thirst

inflammation of the joints

itching

loss of appetite

lower back or side pain

muscle aches

nausea or vomiting

noisy breathing

nosebleeds

pain

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

rash

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

shortness of breath

skin rash

swelling of the foot or leg

swollen lymph glands

tenderness

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing with exertion

unpleasant breath odor

unusual weight loss

vomiting of blood

watery or bloody diarrhea

wheezing

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

chest pain

coughing up blood

decrease in the amount of urine

excessive muscle tone

increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding

muscle stiffness, tension, or tightness

nosebleeds

paralysis

prolonged bleeding from cuts

red irritated eyes

red or black, tarry stools

red or dark brown urine

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

restlessness

skin rash with a general disease

swelling

trouble sitting still

unpleasant breath odor

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

Acid or sour stomach

belching

bloated

change in taste

dizziness

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

full feeling

headache

heartburn

indigestion

itching of the vagina or genital area

loss of taste

pain during sexual intercourse

passing gas

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor

Incidence not known

Hives or welts

redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ceftriaxone

thumbs-up

Pros

Can treat many different types of infections

Can use in people with kidney problems

Can use in children

Typically given once per day

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be given by an injection into the veins or into the muscle

Sometimes requires twice-daily dosing for more severe infections

Not a good choice for treating infections caused by resistant bacteria

Might not be the best choice if you've had an allergic reaction to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ceftriaxone

pharmacist

  • Ceftriaxone can cause diarrhea. It typically goes away when you stop taking the antibiotic. But call your provider as soon as possible if you start having watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, fatigue, or stomach cramps anytime during treatment or after stopping ceftriaxone. These can be signs of infectious diarrhea that can be serious and needs to be treated right away.

    • Get medical help right away if you or your loved ones notice any changes in your behavior, such as confusion, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), and trouble speaking. These could be signs of nervous system side effects from ceftriaxone.

      • Contact your provider if you develop other symptoms of an illness or if your symptoms become worse. Ceftriaxone can only treat infections caused by bacteria, so it won't help if you have an infection caused by a virus or fungus. If needed, your provider can prescribe a different medication for you that helps fight viral or fungal infections.

        Tips for using ceftriaxone at home (if instructed by your provider)

        • If you need treatment with ceftriaxone for a long time, it's possible that your provider might let you take the medication at home. If so, make sure to follow your provider's instructions carefully so you use ceftriaxone properly and safely. Your provider might instruct you to use vials of the medication that need to be mixed and prepared or premixed bags that are ready to use.

          • If you're using ceftriaxone at home for long-term treatment, make sure to set a reminder for your doses. It's important to get all of your doses of ceftriaxone and finish your treatment course, even if you feel better. Otherwise, your infection might get worse or become harder to treat.

            • Mark your scheduled provider visits and blood work appointments on your calendar. This will help your provider make sure that ceftriaxone is treating your infection and that it's as safe as possible for you.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Ceftriaxone

              Is ceftriaxone a penicillin?
              No, ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporin and penicillin antibiotics have similar chemical structures. This means that if you have a penicillin allergy, there's a small chance that you might have an allergic reaction to ceftriaxone too. Your provider will decide to use ceftriaxone to treat your infection based on what your reaction to penicillin was like. If you had a mild rash or itchy skin when you took penicillin, your provider will probably still give you ceftriaxone and watch for allergic reactions. But if you had a severe reaction to penicillin (like facial swelling, closing of the throat, or anaphylaxis), your provider might give you a small test dose of ceftriaxone to see how you react to it or they might decide to use a different antibiotic altogether.
              How long after I get ceftriaxone can I drink alcohol?
              Ask your provider when, and if, it's safe for you to drink alcohol. Although alcohol doesn't directly affect how well ceftriaxone works, alcohol can slow down the healing process from an infection.
              How long does ceftriaxone take to work?
              In general, it takes about 1 to 3 days to feel better after taking antibiotics. More specifically, it takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours for ceftriaxone to reach the highest level in your blood after a single dose, so the antibiotic can start fighting against your infection pretty soon after you start treatment. If your provider has prescribed ceftriaxone for you to use at home, make sure to finish the entire course, even if you feel better. This makes sure the infection is completely cleared from your body.
              Can ceftriaxone treat syphilis?
              Ceftriaxone isn't FDA-approved for treating syphilis. But the treatment guidelines from the World Health Organization include ceftriaxone as an option for syphilis in certain cases. It's listed as a possible treatment when the first-choice medication Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine) isn't available or when someone has a penicillin allergy. Ceftriaxone is generally not the first-choice medication because it hasn't been studied as well as the penicillins.
              Can ceftriaxone treat a UTI?
              Yes, ceftriaxone is a treatment option for people with UTIs. Your healthcare provider will decide whether to use ceftriaxone or choose a different antibiotic for your UTI based on how severe the infection is and what bacteria is causing the infection.
              What's the difference between getting ceftriaxone through the vein and in the muscle?
              Ceftriaxone is most commonly given as an injection into the veins (intravenous or IV), but it can also be injected into the muscle (intramuscular or IM). The IV injection is typically used for more serious infections and for use in the hospital or long-term care facilities. It's given either as an infusion over 30 to 60 minutes or a quick injection over a few minutes for more urgent situations. The IM injection is sometimes used in situations where treatment can be given during an office or clinic visit and might only require a few doses, such as for gonorrhea. Your provider will inject ceftriaxone into a large muscle, like your buttock or thigh, to help lessen any pain from the injection.
              Is ceftriaxone safe in pregnancy?
              Ceftriaxone is generally considered safe to use throughout pregnancy up until it's close to the time of delivery. This is because ceftriaxone can cause a liver problem called jaundice in your baby if the medication is given late in pregnancy. If you're pregnant, make sure your provider is aware before starting ceftriaxone treatment. Depending how far along you are in your pregnancy, they might switch you to a different antibiotic.
              Does ceftriaxone have nursing (breastfeeding) considerations?
              Ceftriaxone is generally considered acceptable to use while nursing. However, it's possible for your baby to get side effects like diarrhea because a low amount of ceftriaxone can get into breast milk. Let your provider know if you're nursing. They might ask you to switch to using formula for your baby while you're getting treated.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Ceftriaxone?

              Ceftriaxone can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Allergic reactions

              • Risk factors: Allergy to penicillins or other cephalosporin antibiotics

                Allergic reactions to ceftriaxone are possible. These can include life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Let your provider know if you have an allergy to antibiotics. If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after treatment with ceftriaxone, get medical attention right away.

                risk-warning

                Avoid administration with calcium-containing medications

                Ceftriaxone shouldn't be given through the same IV line as a calcium-containing medication. These medications can include calcium gluconate injection, calcium chloride injection, and IV nutrition or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) containing calcium. When you mix ceftriaxone and calcium-containing medications together, precipitates (small rock-like deposits) can form. These precipitates can travel through the body to the gallbladder or kidney and cause symptoms similar to gallstones or kidney stones. If it isn't possible to give ceftriaxone through another IV line, follow your provider's instructions carefully to flush (rinse) the line well before injecting ceftriaxone.

                risk-warning

                Nervous system side effects

                • Risk factors: Not adjusting the ceftriaxone dose in people with kidney problems

                  Although rare, some people treated with ceftriaxone reported serious nervous system side effects. Some reported hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), seizures, sudden and brief involuntary movements or twitching, and confusion. Although these side effects can happen to anyone, people with kidney problems are at higher risk, especially if their ceftriaxone dose isn't appropriately adjusted. Call 911 or call the nurse if you or your loved ones notice any of these side effects. They usually go away after stopping the medication.

                  risk-warning

                  Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

                  Antibiotics, including ceftriaxone, raise your risk of getting infected with a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). This infection can cause diarrhea that can sometimes be life-threatening. Antibiotics change the amount of normal bacteria in your stomach and intestines. This can cause C. diff to overgrow in your gut and lead to an infection. This type of infectious diarrhea is different from the diarrhea you might have as a possible side effect of ceftriaxone. C. diff-related diarrhea can cause rapid heart rate, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, bloody stools, or frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day). This type of diarrhea is a medical emergency, so call for help as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. You'll get tested for C. diff infection and receive treatment, if needed.

                  risk-warning

                  Low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)

                  Some people who were treated with ceftriaxone developed hemolytic anemia. This condition causes red blood cells to break down faster than they can be made, so the overall red blood cell count will be low. Contact your provider if you notice pale skin, feeling very tired or weak, have a fast heart rate, or have trouble breathing.

                  risk-warning

                  Development of drug-resistant bacteria

                  Your provider will monitor your treatment with ceftriaxone to make sure you're taking the antibiotic for the appropriate infection and amount of time. Using ceftriaxone for any shorter or longer periods of time or taking the antibiotic for other illnesses can raise your risk for developing infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. This raises your risk for severe and life-threatening infections that might be difficult to treat.

                  dosage

                  Ceftriaxone dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 vial of 1g of Ceftriaxone is $6.96 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 57.77% off the average retail price of $16.48.
                  vial
                  Vial
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  1g1 vial$6.96$6.96
                  2g20 vials$56.30$2.81
                  250mg1 vial$6.11$6.11
                  500mg1 vial$11.06$11.06

                  Typical dosing for Ceftriaxone

                  Ceftriaxone is given as an injection into the veins or into the muscle, usually by a provider in a healthcare setting (e.g., hospital, office, nursing home).

                  The dose and length of treatment depends on what type of infection you have and how serious it is. Your provider will determine the right dose and length of treatment for you. For most infections, the general dosage is as follows:

                  Adults

                  • Most infections: The typical dose is 1 to 2 grams per day for 4 to 14 days.

                  • Gonorrhea: The recommended dose is 250 mg injected into the muscle for one time.

                  • Preventing infections before surgery: The typical dose is 1 gram injected into the vein once, 30 minutes to 2 hours before surgery.

                  • The maximum dose is 2 or 4 grams per day, depending on your age and liver and kidney function.

                  Children

                  • Most infections: The dose depends on your child's weight. The typical dose is 50 mg/kg to 75 mg/kg of body weight per day for 7 to 14 days. This dose is given once per day or split into two equal doses in the day. The maximum dose is 100 mg/kg (up to 4 grams) per day.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Ceftriaxone and other drugs

                  Ceftriaxone may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ceftriaxone. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                  How much does Ceftriaxone cost?

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                  contraindications-icon

                  Ceftriaxone contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ceftriaxone will not be safe for you to take.
                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Ceftriaxone?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ceftriaxone. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Ceftriaxone
                  Used for:
                  $6.11 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Cefixime (Suprax)
                  Used for:

                  • Urinary tract infections

                  • Ear infections (otitis media)

                  • Throat and tonsil infections (strep throat, tonsillitis)

                  • Bronchitis with bacterial infection

                  • Gonorrhea

                  $17.21 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Cefuroxime
                  Used for:
                  $11.62 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Ceftriaxone images

                  white and yellow - Ceftriaxone 1g Powder for Injection
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                  yellow - Ceftriaxone 1g Powder for Injection
                  This medicine is Yellow Vial.yellow - Ceftriaxone 1g Powder for Injection
                  yellow-orange - Ceftriaxone 1g Powder for Injection (PREMIER ProRx)
                  This medicine is Yellow-Orange Vial.yellow-orange - Ceftriaxone 1g Powder for Injection (PREMIER ProRx)
                  white - Ceftriaxone 1g Powder for Injection
                  This medicine is White Vial.white - Ceftriaxone 1g Powder for Injection
                  yellow-orange - Ceftriaxone 1g Powder for Injection
                  This medicine is Yellow-Orange Vial.yellow-orange - Ceftriaxone 1g Powder for Injection

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Agunbiade, A., et al. (2021). The effects of ceftriaxone by intravenous push on adverse drug reactions in the emergency department. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine.

                  B. Braun Medical Inc. (2022). Ceftriaxone and dextrose- ceftriaxone injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Berlana, D. (2022). Parenteral nutrition overview. Nutrients.

                  View All References (21)

                  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). What are jaundice and kernicterus?

                  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Antibiotic use in the United States, 2020 update: Progress and opportunities.

                  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Gonorrhea treatment and care.

                  Chaudhry, S. B., et al. (2019). Cephalosporins: A focus on side chains and β-lactam cross-reactivity. Pharmacy.

                  Colston, J., et al. (2018). Bone and joint infection. Clinical Medicine.

                  Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2021). Ceftriaxone. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                  Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC (2023). Calcium gluconate - calcium gluconate injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Gupta, K., et al. (2011). International clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women: A 2010 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the European Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Clinical Infectious Diseases.

                  Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. (2023). Ceftriaxone- ceftriaxone injection, powder, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed. 

                  LaCroix, C., et al. (2021). Serious neurological adverse events of ceftriaxone. Antibiotics.

                  Lopez, N., et al. (2011). A comprehensive review of abdominal infections. World Journal of Emergency Surgery.

                  Maguire, M., et al. (2020). Beta-lactam antibiotic test doses in the emergency department. The World Allergy Organization Journal.

                  McLaughlin, J. M., et al. (2017). Intravenous push cephalosporin antibiotics in the emergency department: a practice improvement project. Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal.

                  Medefil, Inc. (2020). Calcium chloride- calcium chloride injection injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Nakajima, Y., et al. (2020). Anatomically safe sites for intramuscular injections: A cross-sectional study on young adults and cadavers with a focus on the thigh. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics.

                  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Hemolytic anemia.

                  Norris, A. H., et al. (2018). 2018 Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice guideline for the management of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy. Clinical Infectious Diseases.

                  Pandey, N., et al. (2023). Beta-lactam antibiotics. StatPearls.

                  Richards, D. M., et al. (1984). Ceftriaxone. Drug Evaluation.

                  Sagent Pharmaceuticals. (2023). Ceftriaxone- ceftriaxone sodium injection, powder, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed. 

                  World Health Organization.(2016). WHO guidelines for the treatment of Treponema pallidum (syphilis).

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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