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.
What Is Rocephin Used For?
Some examples of infections that the medication is used to treat include:
It is also used before surgery to decrease the chances of an infection.
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.
By affecting the cell wall of bacteria, Rocephin helps kill bacteria (and thus keeps them from infecting the body).
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Rocephin include:
- The medicine is only available as a solution for intramuscular injection or intravenous (IV) administration. It is usually given once or twice a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions.
- The Rocephin solution should be clear and contain no visible floating material.
- It should be injected at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your system.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be administered as prescribed. Your entire course of the antibiotic will be completed, even if you start feeling better. This will ensure that the infection is completely treated.
- Outdated Rocephin should never be used. Any outdated medication may cause serious problems because the intended effects often change after the expiration date has passed.
Dietary Considerations With Rocephin
There are no diet restrictions with this medication. Patients should be aware that it does contain a small amount of sodium (83 mg per 1 gram of Rocephin).
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition you are being treated for
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, you should not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. However, not everyone who receives this drug will experience side effects. In most cases, when people do develop side effects, they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by a healthcare provider.
Common side effects of Rocephin include, but are not limited to:
- Pain, warmth, and/or minor swelling at injection site
- Unexplained rash
- Diarrhea
- Increase in liver enzymes.
Some less common but more serious side effects can also occur.
(Click Side Effects of Rocephin to learn more about the specific side effects of this drug, including potentially serious side effects.)
Rocephin can interact with a number of medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Rocephin?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to having the medicine administered if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Rocephin and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Will be having any surgery
- Have any allergies. This includes allergies to:
- Rocephin
- Other cephalosporins
- Penicillin
- Other types of antibiotics.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who receive too much Rocephin may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
If you happen to receive an overdose of this medication, seek medical attention immediately.
Rocephin powder should be stored at room temperature. Once mixed or thawed, Rocephin solutions may be kept at room temperature for 72 hours or refrigerated for 21 days. Rocephin products should be protected from light, moisture, and excessive heat.
Keep Rocephin and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not receive your Rocephin dose as scheduled, it should be administered as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the one that was forgotten and take your next dose. Never take a double dose!
Roche Pharmaceuticals manufactures Rocephin.
Is There a Generic Version?
The medication comes in a number of strengths that will vary somewhat depending on who makes it. The strengths for generic Rocephin include:
- Rocephin 250 mg per vial
- Rocephin 500 mg per vial
- Rocephin 1 gm per vial
- Rocephin 2 gm per vial.
