ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

ADVERSE REACTIONS. Ceftriaxone is generally well tolerated. In clinical trials, the following adverse reactions, which were considered to be related to ceftriaxone therapy or of uncertain etiology, were observed:LOCAL REACTIONS pain, induration and tenderness was 1% overall. Phlebitis was reported in 1% after IV administration. The incidence of warmth, tightness or induration was 17% (3/17) after IM administration of 350 mg/mL and 5% (1/20) after IM administration of 250 mg/mL.GENERAL DISORDERS AND ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS -- injection site pain (0.6%).HYPERSENSITIVITY rash (1.7%). Less frequently reported (< 1%) were pruritus, fever or chills.INFECTIONS AND INFESTATIONS -- genital fungal infection (0.1%).HEMATOLOGIC eosinophilia (6%), thrombocytosis (5.1%) and leukopenia (2.1%). Less frequently reported (< 1%) were anemia, hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia and prolongation of the prothrombin time.BLOOD AND LYMPHATIC DISORDERS -- granulocytopenia (0.9%), coagulopathy (0.4%).GASTROINTESTINAL diarrhea/loose stools (2.7%). Less frequently reported (< 1%) were nausea or vomiting, and dysgeusia. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment (see WARNINGS).HEPATIC elevations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (3.1%) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (3.3%). Less frequently reported (< 1%) were elevations of alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin.RENAL elevations of the BUN (1.2%). Less frequently reported (< 1%) were elevations of creatinine and the presence of casts in the urine.CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM headache or dizziness were reported occasionally (< 1%).GENITOURINARY moniliasis or vaginitis were reported occasionally (< 1%).MISCELLANEOUS diaphoresis and flushing were reported occasionally (< 1%).INVESTIGATIONS--blood creatinine increased (0.6%).Other rarely observed adverse reactions (< 0.1%) include abdominal pain, agranulocytosis, allergic pneumonitis, anaphylaxis, basophilia, biliary lithiasis, bronchospasm, colitis, dyspepsia, epistaxis, flatulence, gallbladder sludge, glycosuria, hematuria, jaundice, leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, nephrolithiasis, palpitations, decrease in the prothrombin time, renal precipitations, seizures, and serum sickness.. Post-marketing Experience. In addition to the adverse reactions reported during clinical trials, the following adverse experiences have been reported during clinical practice in patients treated with ceftriaxone. Data are generally insufficient to allow an estimate of incidence or to establish causation.A small number of cases of fatal outcomes in which crystalline material was observed in the lungs and kidneys at autopsy have been reported in neonates receiving ceftriaxone and calcium-containing fluids. In some of these cases, the same intravenous infusion line was used for both ceftriaxone and calcium-containing fluids and in some precipitate was observed in the intravenous infusion line. At least one fatality has been reported in neonate in whom ceftriaxone and calcium-containing fluids were administered at different time points via different intravenous lines; no crystalline material was observed at autopsy in this neonate. There have been no similar reports in patients other than neonates.GASTROINTESTINAL pancreatitis, stomatitis and glossitis.GENITOURINARY oliguria, ureteric obstruction, post-renal acute renal failure.DERMATOLOGIC exanthema, allergic dermatitis, urticaria, edema; acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and isolated cases of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Lyells syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been reported.HEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES isolated cases of agranulocytosis (< 500/mm3) have been reported, most of them after 10 days of treatment and following total doses of 20 or more.NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS convulsion.OTHER, Adverse Reactions symptomatic precipitation of ceftriaxone calcium salt in the gallbladder, kernicterus, oliguria, and anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions.. Cephalosporin Class Adverse Reactions In addition to the adverse reactions listed above which have been observed in patients treated with ceftriaxone, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory test results have been reported for cephalosporin class antibiotics:Adverse Reactions: Allergic reactions, drug fever, serum sickness-like reaction, renal dysfunction, toxic nephropathy, reversible hyperactivity, hypertonia, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, and superinfection.Altered Laboratory Tests: Positive direct Coombs test, false-positive test for urinary glucose, and elevated LDH (see PRECAUTIONS).Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. at 1-877-233-2001 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. Average plasma concentrations of ceftriaxone following single 30-minute intravenous (IV) infusion of 0.5, or gm dose and intramuscular (IM) administration of single 0.5 (250 mg/mL or 350 mg/mL concentrations) or gm dose in healthy subjects are presented in Table 1.TABLE 1. Ceftriaxone Plasma Concentrations After Single Dose Administration Dose/Route Average Plasma Concentrations (mcg/mL) 0.5 hr hr hr hr hr hr 12 hr 16 hr 24 hr 0.5 gm IV82 594837 292315105 0.5 gm IM 250 mg/mL22 33 38 35 302616ND5 0.5 gm IM 350 mg/mL20 32 38 34 312416ND5 gm IV151 111 88 67 534328189 gm IM40 68 76 68 5644 29NDND gm IV257 192 154 117 8974463115ND Not determined. IV doses were infused at constant rate over 30 minutes.Ceftriaxone was completely absorbed following IM administration with mean maximum plasma concentrations occurring between and hours post-dose. Multiple IV or IM doses ranging from 0.5 to gm at 12 to 24 hour intervals resulted in 15% to 36% accumulation of ceftriaxone above single dose values.Ceftriaxone concentrations in urine are shown in Table 2.TABLE 2. Urinary Concentrations of Ceftriaxone After Single Dose Administration Dose/Route Average Urinary Concentrations (mcg/mL) - hr - hr - hr - 12 hr 12 24 hr 24 48 hr 0.5 gm IV 526 366 142 87 70 15 0.5 gm IM 115 425 308 127 96 28 gm IV 995 855 293 147 132 32 gm IM 504 628 418 237 ND ND gm IV 2692 1976 757 274 198 40 ND Not determined.Thirty-three percent to 67% of ceftriaxone dose was excreted in the urine as unchanged drug and the remainder was secreted in the bile and ultimately found in the feces as microbiologically inactive compounds. After 1 gm IV dose, average concentrations of ceftriaxone, determined from to hours after dosing, were 581 mcg/mL in the gallbladder bile, 788 mcg/mL in the common duct bile, 898 mcg/mL in the cystic duct bile, 78.2 mcg/gm in the gallbladder wall and 62.1 mcg/mL in the concurrent plasma.Over 0.15 to gm dose range in healthy adult subjects, the values of elimination half-life ranged from 5.8 to 8.7 hours; apparent volume of distribution from 5.78 to 13.5 L; plasma clearance from 0.58 to 1.45 L/hour; and renal clearance from 0.32 to 0.73 L/hour. Ceftriaxone is reversibly bound to human plasma proteins, and the binding decreased from value of 95% bound at plasma concentrations of 25 mcg/mL to value of 85% bound at 300 mcg/mL. Ceftriaxone crosses the blood placenta barrier.The average values of maximum plasma concentration, elimination half-life, plasma clearance and volume of distribution after 50 mg/kg IV dose and after 75 mg/kg IV dose in pediatric patients suffering from bacterial meningitis are shown in Table 3. Ceftriaxone penetrated the inflamed meninges of infants and pediatric patients; CSF concentrations after 50 mg/kg IV dose and after 75 mg/kg IV dose are also shown in Table 3.TABLE 3. Average Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Ceftriaxone in Pediatric Patients With Meningitis 50 mg/kg IV75 mg/kg IV Maximum Plasma Concentrations (mcg/mL)216275 Elimination Half-life (hr)4.64.3 Plasma Clearance (mL/hr/kg)4960 Volume of Distribution (mL/kg)338373 CSF Concentration inflamed meninges (mcg/mL)5.66.4 Range (mcg/mL)1.3 18.51.3 44 Time after dose (hr)3.7 (+- 1.6)3.3 (+- 1.4)Compared to that in healthy adult subjects, the pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone were only minimally altered in elderly subjects and in patients with renal impairment or hepatic dysfunction (Table 4); therefore, dosage adjustments are not necessary for these patients with ceftriaxone dosages up to gm per day. Ceftriaxone was not removed to any significant extent from the plasma by hemodialysis; in six of 26 dialysis patients, the elimination rate of ceftriaxone was markedly reduced.TABLE 4. Average Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Ceftriaxone in HumansSubject GroupElimination Half-Life(hr)Plasma Clearance(L/hr)Volume of Distribution(L) Healthy Subjects5.8 8.70.58 1.455.8 13.5 Elderly Subjects (mean age, 70.5 yr)8.90.8310.7 Patients With Renal Impairment Hemodialysis Patients (0 5 mL/min) 14.70.6513.7 Severe (5 15 mL/min) 15.70.5612.5 Moderate (16 30 mL/min) 11.40.7211.8 Mild (31 60 mL/min) 12.40.7013.3 Patients With Liver Disease8.81.113.6Creatinine clearance.The elimination of ceftriaxone is not altered when ceftriaxone for injection is co-administered with probenecid.. Pharmacokinetics in the Middle Ear Fluid. In one study, total ceftriaxone concentrations (bound and unbound) were measured in middle ear fluid obtained during the insertion of tympanostomy tubes in 42 pediatric patients with otitis media. Sampling times were from to 50 hours after single intramuscular injection of 50 mg/kg of ceftriaxone. Mean (+- SD) ceftriaxone levels in the middle ear reached peak of 35 (+- 12) mcg/mL at 24 hours, and remained at 19 (+- 7) mcg/mL at 48 hours. Based on middle ear fluid ceftriaxone concentrations in the 23 to 25 hour and the 46 to 50 hour sampling time intervals, half-life of 25 hours was calculated. Ceftriaxone is highly bound to plasma proteins. The extent of binding to proteins in the middle ear fluid is unknown.. Interaction with Calcium. Two in vitro studies, one using adult plasma and the other neonatal plasma from umbilical cord blood have been carried out to assess interaction of ceftriaxone and calcium. Ceftriaxone concentrations up to mM (in excess of concentrations achieved in vivo following administration of grams ceftriaxone infused over 30 minutes) were used in combination with calcium concentrations up to 12 mM (48 mg/dL). Recovery of ceftriaxone from plasma was reduced with calcium concentrations of mM (24 mg/dL) or higher in adult plasma or mM (16 mg/dL) or higher in neonatal plasma. This may be reflective of ceftriaxone-calcium precipitation.. Microbiology. Mechanism of Action. Ceftriaxone is bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Ceftriaxone has activity in the presence of some beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.. Mechanism of Resistance. Resistance to ceftriaxone is primarily through hydrolysis by beta-lactamase, alteration of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), and decreased permeability.. Interaction with Other Antimicrobials. In an in vitro study antagonistic effects have been observed with the combination of chloramphenicol and ceftriaxone.. Ceftriaxone has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section: Gram-negative bacteria Acinetobacter calcoaceticus Enterobacter aerogenes Enterobacter cloacae Escherichia coli Haemophilus influenzae Haemophilus parainfluenzae Klebsiella oxytoca Klebsiella pneumoniae Moraxella catarrhalis Morganella morganii Neisseria gonorrhoeae Neisseria meningitidis Proteus mirabilis Proteus vulgaris Pseudomonas aeruginosa Serratia marcescens Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis Streptococcus pneumoniae Streptococcus pyogenes Viridans group streptococciAnaerobic bacteria Bacteroides fragilis Clostridium speciesPeptostreptococcus speciesThe following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following microorganisms exhibit an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for ceftriaxone. However, the efficacy of ceftriaxone in treating clinical infections due to these microorganisms has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.Gram-negative bacteria Citrobacter diversus Citrobacter freundii Providencia species (including Providencia rettgeri)Salmonella species (including Salmonella typhi)Shigella speciesGram-positive bacteria Streptococcus agalactiaeAnaerobic bacteriaPorphyromonas (Bacteroides) melaninogenicus Prevotella (Bacteroides) bivius. Susceptibility Test Methods. For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Ceftriaxone may be administered intravenously or intramuscularly.Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringers solution or Hartmanns solution, to reconstitute ceftriaxone vials or to further dilute reconstituted vial for IV administration because precipitate can form. Precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium can also occur when ceftriaxone is mixed with calcium-containing solutions in the same IV administration line. Ceftriaxone must not be administered simultaneously with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition via Y-site. However, in patients other than neonates, ceftriaxone and calcium-containing solutions may be administered sequentially of one another if the infusion lines are thoroughly flushed between infusions with compatible fluid (see WARNINGS).There have been no reports of an interaction between ceftriaxone and oral calcium-containing products or interaction between intramuscular ceftriaxone and calcium-containing products (IV or oral).. NEONATES. Hyperbilirubinemic neonates, especially prematures, should not be treated with ceftriaxone. Ceftriaxone is contraindicated in premature neonates (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).Ceftriaxone is contraindicated in neonates (<=28 days) if they require (or are expected to require) treatment with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition because of the risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).Intravenous doses should be given over 60 minutes in neonates to reduce the risk of bilirubin encephalopathy.. PEDIATRIC PATIENTS. For the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg given once day (or in equally divided doses twice day). The total daily dose should not exceed grams.For the treatment of acute bacterial otitis media, single intramuscular dose of 50 mg/kg (not to exceed gram) is recommended (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE). For the treatment of serious miscellaneous infections other than meningitis, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg, given in divided doses every 12 hours. The total daily dose should not exceed grams. In the treatment of meningitis, it is recommended that the initial therapeutic dose be 100 mg/kg (not to exceed grams). Thereafter, total daily dose of 100 mg/kg/day (not to exceed grams daily) is recommended. The daily dose may be administered once day (or in equally divided doses every 12 hours). The usual duration of therapy is to 14 days.. ADULTS The usual adult daily dose is to grams given once day (or in equally divided doses twice day) depending on the type and severity of infection. The total daily dose should not exceed grams.If Chlamydia trachomatis is suspected pathogen, appropriate antichlamydial coverage should be added, because ceftriaxone sodium has no activity against this organism.For the treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal infections, single intramuscular dose of 250 mg is recommended.For preoperative use (surgical prophylaxis), single dose of gram administered intravenously 1/2 to hours before surgery is recommended.Generally, ceftriaxone therapy should be continued for at least days after the signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. The usual duration of therapy is to 14 days; in complicated infections, longer therapy may be required.When treating infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, therapy should be continued for at least 10 days.No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with impairment of renal or hepatic function (see PRECAUTIONS).The dosages recommended for adults require no modification in elderly patients, up to gm per day, provided there is no severe renal and hepatic impairment (see PRECAUTIONS).. DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Intramuscular Administration: Reconstitute ceftriaxone powder with the appropriate diluent (see COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY).Inject diluent into vial, shake vial thoroughly to form solution. Withdraw entire contents of vial into syringe to equal total labeled dose.After reconstitution, each mL of solution contains approximately 250 mg or 350 mg equivalent of ceftriaxone according to the amount of diluent indicated below. If required, more dilute solutions could be utilized.As with all intramuscular preparations, ceftriaxone should be injected well within the body of relatively large muscle; aspiration helps to avoid unintentional injection into blood vessel. Vial Dosage Size Amount of Diluent to be Added 250 mg/mL 350 mg/mL 250 mg0.9 mL--500 mg1.8 mL1 mL1 gm3.6 mL2.1 mL2 gm7.2 mL4.2 mLIntravenous Administration: Ceftriaxone should be administered intravenously by infusion over period of 30 minutes, except in neonates where administration over 60 minutes is recommended to reduce the risk of bilirubin encephalopathy. Concentrations between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL are recommended; however, lower concentrations may be used if desired. Reconstitute vials with an appropriate IV diluent (see COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY).Vial Dosage Size Amount of Diluent to be Added250 mg2.4 mL500 mg4.8 mL1 gm9.6 mL2 gm19.2 mLAfter reconstitution, each mL of solution contains approximately 100 mg equivalent of ceftriaxone. Withdraw entire contents and dilute to the desired concentration with the appropriate IV diluent.

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE. Before instituting treatment with Ceftriaxone for Injection, USP, appropriate specimens should be obtained for isolation of the causative organism and for determination of its susceptibility to the drug. Therapy may be instituted prior to obtaining results of susceptibility testing.To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Ceftriaxone for Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Ceftriaxone for Injection, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.Ceftriaxone for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible organisms:LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis or Serratia marcescens.ACUTE BACTERIAL OTITIS MEDIA caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (including beta-lactamase producing strains) or Moraxella catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase producing strains).NOTE: In one study lower clinical cure rates were observed with single dose of Ceftriaxone for Injection, USP compared to 10 days of oral therapy. In second study comparable cure rates were observed between single dose of Ceftriaxone for Injection, USP and the comparator. The potentially lower clinical cure rate of Ceftriaxone for Injection, USP should be balanced against the potential advantages of parenteral therapy (see CLINICAL STUDIES).SKIN AND SKIN STRUCTURE INFECTIONS caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Viridans group streptococci, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii1, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Bacteroides fragilis1 or Peptostreptococcus species.URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (complicated and uncomplicated) caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Morganella morganii or Klebsiella pneumoniae.UNCOMPLICATED GONORRHEA (cervical/urethral and rectal) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including both penicillinase- and nonpenicillinase-producing strains, and pharyngeal gonorrhea caused by nonpenicillinase-producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Ceftriaxone for Injection, USP, like other cephalosporins, has no activity against Chlamydia trachomatis. Therefore, when cephalosporins are used in the treatment of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease and Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the suspected pathogens, appropriate antichlamydial coverage should be added.BACTERIAL SEPTICEMIA caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae or Klebsiella pneumoniae.BONE AND JOINT INFECTIONS caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Enterobacter species.INTRA-ABDOMINAL INFECTIONS caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium species (Note: most strains of Clostridium difficile are resistant) or Peptostreptococcus species.MENINGITIS caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Ceftriaxone for Injection, USP has also been used successfully in limited number of cases of meningitis and shunt infection caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis1 and Escherichia coli.1 1Efficacy for this organism in this organ system was studied in fewer than ten infections.. SURGICAL PROPHYLAXIS. The preoperative administration of single gm dose of Ceftriaxone for Injection, USP may reduce the incidence of postoperative infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures classified as contaminated or potentially contaminated (e.g., vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy or cholecystectomy for chronic calculous cholecystitis in high-risk patients, such as those over 70 years of age, with acute cholecystitis not requiring therapeutic antimicrobials, obstructive jaundice or common duct bile stones) and in surgical patients for whom infection at the operative site would present serious risk (e.g., during coronary artery bypass surgery). Although Ceftriaxone for Injection, USP has been shown to have been as effective as cefazolin in the prevention of infection following coronary artery bypass surgery, no placebo-controlled trials have been conducted to evaluate any cephalosporin antibiotic in the prevention of infection following coronary artery bypass surgery.When administered prior to surgical procedures for which it is indicated, single gm dose of Ceftriaxone for Injection, USP provides protection from most infections due to susceptible organisms throughout the course of the procedure.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

Information for Patients. Inform patients that use of local anesthetics may cause methemoglobinemia, serious condition that must be treated promptly. Advise patients or caregivers to stop use and seek immediate medical attention if they or someone in their care experience the following signs or symptoms: pale, gray, or blue colored skin (cyanosis); headache; rapid heart rate; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; or fatigue.Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including ceftriaxone should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., common cold). When ceftriaxone is prescribed to treat bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by ceftriaxone or other antibacterial drugs in the future.Diarrhea is common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.. Inform patients that use of local anesthetics may cause methemoglobinemia, serious condition that must be treated promptly. Advise patients or caregivers to stop use and seek immediate medical attention if they or someone in their care experience the following signs or symptoms: pale, gray, or blue colored skin (cyanosis); headache; rapid heart rate; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; or fatigue.. Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including ceftriaxone should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., common cold). When ceftriaxone is prescribed to treat bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by ceftriaxone or other antibacterial drugs in the future.. Diarrhea is common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

MICROBIOLOGY SECTION.

Microbiology. Mechanism of Action. Ceftriaxone is bactericidal agent that acts by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Ceftriaxone has activity in the presence of some beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.. Mechanism of Resistance. Resistance to ceftriaxone is primarily through hydrolysis by beta-lactamase, alteration of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), and decreased permeability.. Interaction with Other Antimicrobials. In an in vitro study antagonistic effects have been observed with the combination of chloramphenicol and ceftriaxone.. Ceftriaxone has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section: Gram-negative bacteria Acinetobacter calcoaceticus Enterobacter aerogenes Enterobacter cloacae Escherichia coli Haemophilus influenzae Haemophilus parainfluenzae Klebsiella oxytoca Klebsiella pneumoniae Moraxella catarrhalis Morganella morganii Neisseria gonorrhoeae Neisseria meningitidis Proteus mirabilis Proteus vulgaris Pseudomonas aeruginosa Serratia marcescens Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis Streptococcus pneumoniae Streptococcus pyogenes Viridans group streptococciAnaerobic bacteria Bacteroides fragilis Clostridium speciesPeptostreptococcus speciesThe following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following microorganisms exhibit an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for ceftriaxone. However, the efficacy of ceftriaxone in treating clinical infections due to these microorganisms has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.Gram-negative bacteria Citrobacter diversus Citrobacter freundii Providencia species (including Providencia rettgeri)Salmonella species (including Salmonella typhi)Shigella speciesGram-positive bacteria Streptococcus agalactiaeAnaerobic bacteriaPorphyromonas (Bacteroides) melaninogenicus Prevotella (Bacteroides) bivius.

PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

PRECAUTIONS. Developmentof Drug-resistant Bacteria. Prescribing ceftriaxone in the absence of proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Prolonged use of ceftriaxone may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.. Patients with Renal or HepaticImpairment. Ceftriaxone is excreted via both biliary and renal excretion (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). Therefore, patients with renal failure normally require no adjustment in dosage when usual doses of ceftriaxone are administered.Dosage adjustments should not be necessary in patients with hepatic dysfunction; however, in patients with both hepatic dysfunction and significant renal disease, caution should be exercised and the ceftriaxone dosage should not exceed gm daily. Ceftriaxone is not removed by peritoneal- or hemodialysis. In patients undergoing dialysis no additional supplementary dosing is required following the dialysis. In patients with both severe renal and hepatic dysfunction, close clinical monitoring for safety and efficacy is advised.. Effect on Prothrombin Time. Alterations in prothrombin times have occurred in patients treated with ceftriaxone. Monitor prothrombin time during ceftriaxone treatment in patients with impaired vitamin synthesis or low vitamin stores (e.g., chronic hepatic disease and malnutrition). Vitamin administration (10 mg weekly) may be necessary if the prothrombin time is prolonged before or during therapy.Concomitant use of ceftriaxone with Vitamin antagonists may increase the risk of bleeding. Coagulation parameters should be monitored frequently, and the dose of the anticoagulant adjusted accordingly, both during and after treatment with ceftriaxone (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).. Gallbladder Pseudolithiasis. Ceftriaxone-calcium precipitates in the gallbladder have been observed in patients receiving ceftriaxone. These precipitates appear on sonography as an echo without acoustical shadowing suggesting sludge or as an echo with acoustical shadowing which may be misinterpreted as gallstones. The probability of such precipitates appears to be greatest in pediatric patients. Patients may be asymptomatic or may develop symptoms of gallbladder disease. The condition appears to be reversible upon discontinuation of ceftriaxone sodium and institution of conservative management. Discontinue ceftriaxone sodium in patients who develop signs and symptoms suggestive of gallbladder disease and/or the sonographic findings described above.. Urolithiasis and Post-RenalAcute Renal Failure. Ceftriaxone-calcium precipitates in the urinary tract have been observed in patients receiving ceftriaxone and may be detected as sonographic abnormalities. The probability of such precipitates appears to be greatest in pediatric patients. Patients may be asymptomatic or may develop symptoms of urolithiasis, and ureteral obstruction and post-renal acute renal failure. The condition appears to be reversible upon discontinuation of ceftriaxone sodium and institution of appropriate management. Ensure adequate hydration in patients receiving ceftriaxone. Discontinue ceftriaxone in patients who develop signs and symptoms suggestive of urolithiasis, oliguria or renal failure and/or the sonographic findings described above.. Pancreatitis. Cases of pancreatitis, possibly secondary to biliary obstruction, have been reported in patients treated with ceftriaxone. Most patients presented with risk factors for biliary stasis and biliary sludge (preceding major therapy, severe illness, total parenteral nutrition). cofactor role of ceftriaxone-related biliary precipitation cannot be ruled out.. Information for Patients. Inform patients that use of local anesthetics may cause methemoglobinemia, serious condition that must be treated promptly. Advise patients or caregivers to stop use and seek immediate medical attention if they or someone in their care experience the following signs or symptoms: pale, gray, or blue colored skin (cyanosis); headache; rapid heart rate; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; or fatigue.Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including ceftriaxone should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., common cold). When ceftriaxone is prescribed to treat bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by ceftriaxone or other antibacterial drugs in the future.Diarrhea is common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.. Inform patients that use of local anesthetics may cause methemoglobinemia, serious condition that must be treated promptly. Advise patients or caregivers to stop use and seek immediate medical attention if they or someone in their care experience the following signs or symptoms: pale, gray, or blue colored skin (cyanosis); headache; rapid heart rate; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; or fatigue.. Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including ceftriaxone should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., common cold). When ceftriaxone is prescribed to treat bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by ceftriaxone or other antibacterial drugs in the future.. Diarrhea is common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. Carcinogenesis: Considering the maximum duration of treatment and the class of the compound, carcinogenicity studies with ceftriaxone in animals have not been performed. The maximum duration of animal toxicity studies was months.Mutagenesis: Genetic toxicology tests included the Ames test, micronucleus test and test for chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes cultured in vitro with ceftriaxone. Ceftriaxone showed no potential for mutagenic activity in these studies.Impairment of Fertility: Ceftriaxone produced no impairment of fertility when given intravenously to rats at daily doses up to 586 mg/kg/day, approximately 20 times the recommended clinical dose of gm/day.. Pregnancy. Teratogenic Effects. Pregnancy Category B. Reproductive studies have been performed in mice and rats at doses up to 20 times the usual human dose and have no evidence of embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity or teratogenicity. In primates, no embryotoxicity or teratogenicity was demonstrated at dose approximately times the human dose.There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.. Nonteratogenic Effects: In rats, in the Segment (fertility and general reproduction) and Segment III (perinatal and postnatal) studies with intravenously administered ceftriaxone, no adverse effects were noted on various reproductive parameters during gestation and lactation, including postnatal growth, functional behavior and reproductive ability of the offspring, at doses of 586 mg/kg/day or less.. Nursing Mothers. Low concentrations of ceftriaxone are excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when ceftriaxone is administered to nursing woman.. Pediatric Use. Safety and effectiveness of ceftriaxone in neonates, infants and pediatric patients have been established for the dosages described in the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section. In vitro studies have shown that ceftriaxone, like some other cephalosporins, can displace bilirubin from serum albumin. Ceftriaxone should not be administered to hyperbilirubinemic neonates, especially prematures (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).. Geriatric Use. Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of ceftriaxone, 32% were 60 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.The pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone were only minimally altered in geriatric patients compared to healthy adult subjects and dosage adjustments are not necessary for geriatric patients with ceftriaxone dosages up to grams per day provided there is no severe renal and hepatic impairment (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).. Influence on Diagnostic Tests. In patients treated with ceftriaxone the Coombs test may become positive. Ceftriaxone, like other antibacterial drugs, may result in positive test results for galactosemia. Nonenzymatic methods for the glucose determination in urine may give false-positive results. For this reason, urine-glucose determination during therapy with ceftriaxone should be done enzymatically. The presence of ceftriaxone may falsely lower estimated blood glucose values obtained with some blood glucose monitoring systems. Please refer to instructions for use for each system. Alternative testing methods should be used if necessary.. Drug Interactions. Patients that are administered local anesthetics may be at increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia when concurrently exposed to the following oxidizing agents:ClassExamplesNitrates/NitritesNitroglycerin, nitroprusside, nitric oxide, nitrous oxideLocal anestheticsBenzocaine, lidocaine, bupivacaine, mepivacaine, tetracaine, prilocaine, procaine, articaineAntineoplastic agentscyclophosphamide, flutamide, rasburicase, isofamide, hydroxyureaAntibioticsdapsone, sulfonamides, nitrofurantoin, para- aminosalicylic acidAntimalarialschloroquine, primaquineAnticonvulsantsphenytoin, sodium valproate, phenobarbitalOther drugsacetaminophen, metoclopramide, sulfa drugs (i.e., sulfasalazine), quinine.

WARNINGS SECTION.

WARNINGS. Hypersensitivity Reactions. Before therapy with ceftriaxone is instituted, careful inquiry should be made to determine whether the patient has had previous hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporins, penicillins and other beta-lactam agents or other drugs. This product should be given cautiously to penicillin and other beta-lactam agent-sensitive patients. Antibacterial drugs should be administered with caution to any patient who has demonstrated some form of allergy, particularly to drugs. Serious acute hypersensitivity reactions may require the use of subcutaneous epinephrine and other emergency measures.As with all beta-lactam antibacterial agents, serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions (i.e., anaphylaxis) have been reported. In case of severe hypersensitivity reactions, treatment with ceftriaxone must be discontinued immediately and adequate emergency measures must be initiated. Methemoglobinemia. Cases of methemoglobinemia have been reported in association with local anesthetic use (e.g. lidocaine). Although all patients are at risk for methemoglobinemia, patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia, cardiac or pulmonary compromise, infants under months of age, and concurrent exposure to oxidizing agents or their metabolites are more susceptible to developing clinical manifestations of the condition. If local anesthetics must be used in these patients, close monitoring for symptoms and signs of methemoglobinemia is recommended.Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia may occur immediately or may be delayed some hours after exposure, and are characterized by cyanotic skin discoloration and abnormal coloration of the blood. Methemoglobin levels may continue to rise; therefore, immediate treatment is required to avert more serious central nervous system and cardiovascular adverse effects, including seizures, coma, arrhythmias, and death. Discontinue Rocephin Kit and any other oxidizing agents. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, patients may respond to supportive care, i.e., oxygen therapy, hydration. More severe symptoms may require treatment with methylene blue, exchange transfusion, or hyperbaric oxygen.. Interaction with Calcium-Containing Products. Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringers solution or Hartmanns solution, to reconstitute ceftriaxone vials or to further dilute reconstituted vial for IV administration because precipitate can form. Precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium can also occur when ceftriaxone is mixed with calcium-containing solutions in the same IV administration line. Ceftriaxone must not be administered simultaneously with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition via Y-site. However, in patients other than neonates, ceftriaxone and calcium-containing solutions may be administered sequentially of one another if the infusion lines are thoroughly flushed between infusions with compatible fluid. In vitro studies using adult and neonatal plasma from umbilical cord blood demonstrated that neonates have an increased risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, CONTRAINDICATIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).. Clostridium difficile -Associated Diarrhea. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including ceftriaxone, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.C. difficile produces toxins and which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.. Hemolytic Anemia. An immune mediated hemolytic anemia has been observed in patients receiving cephalosporin class antibacterials including ceftriaxone. Severe cases of hemolytic anemia, including fatalities, have been reported during treatment in both adults and children. If patient develops anemia while on ceftriaxone, the diagnosis of cephalosporin associated anemia should be considered and ceftriaxone stopped until the etiology is determined.