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Rocephin
Due to its effectiveness against a broad range of bacteria, the prescription antibiotic Rocephin is used to treat many common bacterial infections, and is popular as a substitute for penicillin and for preventing infection during surgery. It works by keeping bacteria from making and maintaining their cell walls. A few of the infections commonly treated with Rocephin include blood infections, middle ear infections (otitis media), and irritation of the prostate (prostatitis).
Rocephin® (ceftriaxone) is a prescription antibiotic that is licensed to treat a number of common infections. It is part of a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins, and it is given either as a shot or through an intravenous line (IV). It is also available as the generic ceftriaxone.
Some examples of infections that the medication is used to treat include:
- Respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, strep throat, or tonsillitis
- Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
- Joint infection (septic arthritis)
- Middle ear infection (otitis media)
- Meningitis
- Blood infection
- Irritation of the prostate (prostatitis)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Skin infection, such as cellulitis
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
It is also used before surgery to decrease the chances of an infection.
(Click What Is Rocephin Used For? for other infections that it is used to treat.)
Rocephin is part of a class of drugs called cephalosporins. It prevents bacteria's ability to make and maintain their cell wall. Without a cell wall, bacteria are vulnerable and ultimately perish.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD