CEFTRIAXONE 500 IV IPHARMA

Indications

• Bacterial infections
• Susceptible infections due to sensitive Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Hospital-acquired pneumonia
• Intra-abdominal infections
• Complicated urinary tract infections
• Severe diabetic foot infections
• Prophylaxis of infection from human and animal bites

Dosage

Adults: 1–2 g once daily, or 2 g every 8 hours for severe infections or hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Mechanism of action

Ceftriaxone works by inhibiting mucopeptide synthesis in the bacterial cell wall. Its beta-lactam structure binds to carboxypeptidases, endopeptidases, and transpeptidases located in the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, which are crucial for cell wall synthesis and division. This binding leads to enzyme inactivity, resulting in the formation of defective cell walls and ultimately bacterial cell death.

Pharmacodynamics

Ceftriaxone is a beta-lactam antibiotic with bactericidal properties, primarily affecting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. It exhibits activity against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. The drug is stable against hydrolysis by many beta-lactamases, which enhances its effectiveness against resistant bacterial strains. However, it can still be subject to resistance mechanisms such as beta-lactamase production and alterations in penicillin-binding proteins.

Pharmacokinetics

Ceftriaxone has a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing in many cases. It is widely distributed in body tissues and fluids, including the central nervous system, making it effective for treating infections such as meningitis. The drug is primarily eliminated via the kidneys, with a portion excreted in the bile. Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with renal impairment.

Contra-indications

• Hypersensitivity to ceftriaxone or any of its ingredients
• History of severe allergic reactions to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics
• Newborns with hyperbilirubinemia
• Concurrent use with calcium-containing solutions in neonates

Adverse effects

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Thrombocytosis
• Thrombophlebitis at the injection site
• Antibiotic-associated colitis
• Acute kidney injury
• Jaundice
• Biliary sludge
• Neurotoxicity (rare, may include seizures)

Interactions

• Calcium-containing solutions (risk of precipitation)
• Probenecid (may increase plasma concentrations of ceftriaxone)
• Anticoagulants (may enhance anticoagulant effect)
• Other nephrotoxic agents (increased risk of renal impairment)

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
• Caution in patients with hepatic impairment
• Monitor for signs of antibiotic-associated colitis
• Use with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease

Pregnancy

Not known to be harmful, but should be used only if clearly needed.

Breast-feeding

Present in milk in low concentrations, but generally considered appropriate to use.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Reconstituted solutions should be used immediately or stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius and used within 24 hours.

Formulations

• Powder for solution for injection: 500 mg, 1 g, 2 g vials

Indications

• Electrolyte replacement
• Volume expansion in hypovolemic patients
• Management of hyponatremia
• Support in intravenous fluid therapy

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing in paediatric patients, as dosages may vary based on the formulation and clinical condition.

Adults: Refer to specific product information or clinical guidelines for dosage recommendations, as disodium is often part of combination products.

Mechanism of action

Disodium compounds often function by providing sodium ions that are essential for various physiological processes. Sodium ions play a critical role in maintaining osmotic balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. In the context of intravenous solutions, disodium helps to restore electrolyte balance in patients.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of disodium is primarily related to its role in electrolyte balance and fluid homeostasis. Sodium ions are vital for the function of excitable tissues, including neurons and muscle cells. Changes in sodium levels can affect blood pressure, hydration status, and overall cellular function.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of disodium compounds depend on their specific formulation and route of administration. When administered intravenously, disodium is rapidly distributed in the extracellular fluid, where it helps to maintain osmotic pressure. Sodium is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and its levels can be influenced by fluid intake, dietary sodium, and renal function.

Pregnancy

Use with caution. Consult a healthcare provider for specific guidance.

Breast-feeding

Use with caution. Consult a healthcare provider for specific guidance.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Mechanism of action

Ceftriaxone works by inhibiting the mucopeptide synthesis in the bacterial cell wall. The beta-lactam moiety of ceftriaxone binds to carboxypeptidases, endopeptidases, and transpeptidases in the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. These enzymes are involved in cell-wall synthesis and cell division. Binding of ceftriaxone to these enzymes causes the enzyme to lose activity; therefore, the bacteria produce defective cell walls, causing cell death.

Pharmacodynamics

Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin/cephamycin beta-lactam antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually gram-positive, organisms. Ceftriaxone has <i>in vitro</i> activity against gram-positive aerobic, gram-negative aerobic, and anaerobic bacteria. The bactericidal activity of ceftriaxone results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated through ceftriaxone binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Ceftriaxone is stable against hydrolysis by a variety of beta-lactamases, including penicillinases, and cephalosporinases and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. However, resistance to ceftriaxone usually occurs through beta-lactamase hydrolysis, altered PBPs, or reduced bacterial cell permeability. Ceftriaxone should not be mixed with or giving in the same IV line as diluents/products containing calcium as they may cause ceftriaxone to precipitate. Ceftriaxone use may also cause biliary sludge or gallbladder pseudolithiasis.