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Ceftriaxone

Ceftriaxone Sodium · Injection, Solution

Prescription ANDA Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Ceftriaxone
Generic name
Ceftriaxone Sodium
Dosage form
Injection, Solution
Route
Intravenous
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Baxter Healthcare Company
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Ceftriaxone Sodium 1 g/50mL 309092 View
Ceftriaxone Sodium 2 g/50mL 309092 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection, Solution
Route of administration
Intravenous
Presentations
4

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Cephalosporin Antibacterial [EPC] EPC All 41 members
Cephalosporins [CS] CS All 41 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
065224
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
August 23, 2005
Sponsor
BAXTER HLTHCARE
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
10
Products approved under application 065224.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
065224-001 CEFTRIAXONE IN PLASTIC CONTAINER INJECTABLE CEFTRIAXONE SODIUM Prescription — RS
065224-002 CEFTRIAXONE IN PLASTIC CONTAINER INJECTABLE CEFTRIAXONE SODIUM Prescription — RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
—
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
Yes

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 065224.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 15 Labeling Approved October 7, 2024 Standard
Supplement 14 Labeling Approved March 22, 2024 Standard
Supplement 13 Labeling Approved January 13, 2022 Standard
Supplement 8 Labeling Approved August 30, 2013 —
Supplement 7 Labeling Approved June 18, 2009 —
Supplement 6 Labeling Approved March 5, 2008 —
Supplement 3 Labeling Approved October 22, 2007 —
Supplement 4 Labeling Approved September 12, 2007 —
Supplement 2 Labeling Approved April 24, 2007 —
Original application 1 Approved August 23, 2005 —

Review documents

  • 0 · Original application · September 19, 2008

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20241007). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20241007

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Before instituting treatment with Ceftriaxone Injection, 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 Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Ceftriaxone Injection 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 Injection 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 a single dose of ceftriaxone compared to 10 days of oral therapy. In a second study comparable cure rates were observed between single dose ceftriaxone and the comparator. The potentially lower clinical cure rate of ceftriaxone should be balanced against the potential advantages of parenteral therapy. 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 morganii ,* Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Bacteroides fragilis * 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, 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 Clostridioides difficile are resistant) or Peptostreptococcus species. MENINGITIS caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Ceftriaxone has also been used successfully in a limited number of cases of meningitis and shunt infection caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis * and Escherichia coli .* *Efficacy for this organism in this organ system was studied in fewer than ten infections. SURGICAL PROPHYLAXIS: The preoperative administration of a single 1 gm dose of ceftriaxone may reduce the incidence of postoper …

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Ceftriaxone Injection is administered intravenously. Do not further dilute ceftriaxone injection with products containing calcium, such as Ringer’s solution or Hartmann’s solution, because a 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 a 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 a compatible fluid (see WARNINGS ). There have been no reports of an interaction between ceftriaxone and oral calcium-containing products. Neonates Hyperbilirubinemic neonates, especially prematures, should not be treated with Ceftriaxone Injection (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ). Ceftriaxone is contraindicated in neonates 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 ). Pediatric Patients For the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg given once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day). The total daily dose should not exceed 2 grams. 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 2 grams. In the treatment of meningitis, it is recommended that the initial therapeutic dose be 100 mg/kg (not to exceed 4 grams). Thereafter, a total daily dose of 100 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 4 grams daily) is recommended. The daily dose may be administered once a day (or in equally divided doses every 12 hours). The usual duration of therapy is 7 to 14 days. Adults The usual adult daily dose is 1 to 2 grams given once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day) depending on the type and severity of infection. For infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), the recommended daily dose is 2 to 4 grams, in order to achieve >90% target attainment. The total daily dose should not exceed 4 grams. If Chlamydia trachomatis is a suspected pathogen, appropriate antichlamydial coverage should be added, because ceftriaxone sodium has no activity against this organism. For preoperative use (surgical prophylaxis), a single dose of 1 gram administered intravenously 1/2 to 2 hours before surgery is recommended. Generally, Ceftriaxone Injection therapy should be continued for at least 2 days after the signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. The usual duration of therapy is 4 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 hepatic impairment or mild to moderate renal impairment.

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

CONTRAINDICATIONS Ceftriaxone Injection is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics. Solutions containing dextrose may be contraindicated in patients with known allergy to corn or corn products. Neonates (≤28 days) Hyperbilirubinemic neonates, especially prematures, should not be treated with Ceftriaxone Injection. In vitro studies have shown that ceftriaxone can displace bilirubin from its binding to serum albumin, leading to a possible risk of bilirubin encephalopathy in these patients. Ceftriaxone Injection is contraindicated in neonates 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 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). A small number of cases of fatal outcomes in which a 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 a precipitate was observed in the intravenous infusion line. At least one fatality has been reported in a 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.

WARNINGS Hypersensitivity BEFORE THERAPY WITH CEFTRIAXONE INJECTION IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS OR OTHER DRUGS. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE GIVEN CAUTIOUSLY TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS. ANTIBIOTICS 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 other cephalosporins, anaphylactic reactions with fatal outcome have been reported, even if a patient is not known to be allergic or previously exposed. Interaction with Calcium-Containing Products Do not further dilute ceftriaxone injection with products containing calcium, such as Ringer’s solution or Hartmann’s solution, because a 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 a 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 a 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 ). Neurological Adverse Reactions Serious neurological adverse reactions have been reported during postmarketing surveillance with ceftriaxone use. These reactions include encephalopathy (disturbance of consciousness including somnolence, lethargy, and confusion), seizures, myoclonus, and non-convulsive status epilepticus (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Some cases occurred in patients with severe renal impairment who did not receive appropriate dosage adjustment. However, in other cases, neurological adverse reactions occurred in patients receiving an appropriate dosage adjustment. The neurological adverse reactions were reversible and resolved after discontinuation. If neurological adverse reactions associated with Ceftriaxone Injection therapy occur, discontinue Ceftriaxone Injection and institute appropriate supportive measures. Make appropriate dosage adjustments in patients with severe renal impairment (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Clostridioides difficile Clostridioides difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Ceftriaxone Injection, 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 A and B 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, inc …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

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. HYPERSENSITIVITY — rash (1.7%). Less frequently reported (<1%) were pruritus, fever or chills. 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. GASTROINTESTINAL — diarrhea (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 SGOT (3.1%) or SGPT (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%). 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, a decrease in the prothrombin time, renal precipitations, seizures, and serum sickness. Postmarketing 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 a 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 a precipitate was observed in the intravenous infusion line. At least one fatality has been reported in a 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. IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDER – Acute myocardial ischemia with or without myocardial infarction may occur as part of an allergic reaction. GASTROINTESTINAL – stomatitis and glossitis. GENITOURINARY – oliguria. DERMATOLOGIC – exanthema, allergic dermatitis, urticaria, edema. As with many medications, isolated cases of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Lyell’s syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been reported. NEUROLOGIC – Encephalopathy, seizures, myoclonus, and non-convulsive status epilepticus (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ). 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, fall in prothrombin activity, and superinfection. Altered Laboratory Tests Positive direct C …

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

DESCRIPTION Ceftriaxone Injection, USP is a sterile, semisynthetic, broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic for intravenous administration. Ceftriaxone sodium is (6 R ,7 R )-7-[2-(2-Amino-4-thiazolyl)glyoxylamido]-8-oxo-3-[[(1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-5,6-dioxo- as -triazin-3-yl)thio]methyl]-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 7 2 -( Z )-( O -methyloxime), disodium salt, sesquaterhydrate. The chemical formula of ceftriaxone sodium is C 18 H 16 N 8 Na 2 O 7 S 3 •7/2 H 2 O. It has a calculated molecular weight of 661.60 and the following structural formula: Ceftriaxone Sodium, USP is a white to yellowish-orange crystalline powder which is readily soluble in water, sparingly soluble in methanol and very slightly soluble in ethanol. Ceftriaxone Injection, USP contains approximately 83 mg (3.6 mEq) of sodium per gram of ceftriaxone activity. Ceftriaxone Injection, USP is supplied as a frozen, iso-osmotic, sterile, nonpyrogenic solution premixed in a dextrose diluent. Dextrose, USP has been added to adjust the osmolality (approximately 1.9 g and 1.2 g as dextrose hydrous to the 1 g and 2 g dosages, respectively). The pH may be adjusted with sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid. Solutions of premixed Ceftriaxone Injection, USP may range from light yellow to amber in color. After thawing, the solution is intended for intravenous use. The pH of thawed solutions may range from 6.0 to 8.0. See HOW SUPPLIED for package description. The plastic container for the frozen solution is fabricated from a specially designed multilayer plastic. Solutions are in contact with the polyethylene layer of this container and can leach out certain chemical components of the plastic in very small amounts within the expiration period. The suitability of the plastic has been confirmed in tests in animals according to the USP biological tests for plastic containers as well as by tissue culture toxicity studies. Chemical formulation for ceftriaxone sodium

OVERDOSAGE Ceftriaxone overdosage has been reported in patients with severe renal impairment. Reactions have included neurological outcomes, including encephalopathy, seizures, myoclonus, and non-convulsive status epilepticus. In the event of overdosage, discontinue Ceftriaxone Injection therapy and provide general supportive treatment (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ). In the case of overdosage, drug concentration would not be reduced by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. There is no specific antidote. Treatment of overdosage should be symptomatic.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Ceftriaxone Injection, USP is supplied premixed as a frozen, iso-osmotic, sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of ceftriaxone sodium in a case of 24 x 50 mL single dose Galaxy containers. The following strengths are available: 1 gm equivalent of ceftriaxone, iso-osmotic with approximately 1.9 gm Dextrose Hydrous, USP, added (NDC 0338-5002-41). 2 gm equivalent of ceftriaxone, iso-osmotic with approximately 1.2 gm Dextrose Hydrous, USP, added (NDC 0338-5003-41). NOTE: Store Ceftriaxone Injection, USP in the frozen state at or below -20°C/-4°F. See DIRECTIONS FOR USE : Handle frozen product containers with care. Product containers may be fragile in the frozen state.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
38,129
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CEFTRIAXONE SODIUM. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0338-5002-41 0338-5002 Baxter Healthcare Company 24 BAG in 1 CASE (0338-5002-41) / 50 mL in 1 BAG August 23, 2005
0338-5003-41 0338-5003 Baxter Healthcare Company 24 BAG in 1 CASE (0338-5003-41) / 50 mL in 1 BAG August 23, 2005
0338-5002 0338-5002 Baxter Healthcare Company — August 23, 2005
0338-5003 0338-5003 Baxter Healthcare Company — August 23, 2005

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.