Ceftriaxone
Injection
Quick Summary
Ceftriaxone is used in hospitals and clinics for infections such as meningitis, severe pneumonia and typhoid.
Medical Uses
How it's taken
Given by injection into a muscle or vein by a health professional.
Take it for the full course, even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Don't share antibiotics or keep leftovers.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Injection site pain
Swelling or redness.
Diarrhoea
Sometimes.
Rash
Possible allergy.
Interactions
Calcium-containing drips
Mustn't be given together in newborns.
Critical Warnings
Cephalosporin allergy
Black Box Warning: Tell your doctor.
Severe or bloody diarrhoea
Can be a sign of a serious bowel infection. Contact a doctor.
Severe allergic reaction
Black Box Warning: Swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or a widespread rash: get emergency help.
Antibiotic resistance
Using antibiotics when they aren't needed makes them less effective for everyone.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Ceftriaxone Injection: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine