Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) for Urinary Infections

UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) is an infection that arises in the urinary tract system within your body. It can affect the bladder, kidney, uterus, etc. It can happen to anyone but is more common in women. UTIs can be tackled with proper care and hygiene to tackle the issue as a preventive measure.

Ceftriaxone is an intravenous (saline) and intramuscular (injection) antibiotic used to treat several bacterial infections like UTIs, gonorrhoea, pelvic inflammatory disease, meningitis, skin, and ear infection. Ceftriaxone is classified under the drug class called Cephalosporin antibiotics.

The brand name for Ceftriaxone is Rocephin. It works by preventing enzymes from producing bacterial layers (Mucopeptide Synthesis). Therefore, bacteria produce defective cell walls causing bacterial cell death. In simple words, it stops the bacterial cells from growing and eliminates the infection.

According to a study in the United States, women 16 to 35 years of age have experienced UTIs once in a lifetime. About 30 to 40 per cent of adult women face this common issue, and its prevalence can increase with age.

Before Taking Ceftriaxone

There are several essential points that you need to keep in mind before taking Ceftriaxone:

• Inform your medical doctor about your medical history, including problems related to your liver, kidney, bladder infections, etc.
• Doctors prefer urine tests to identify the type of bacterium causing your UTIs.
• AST (Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) is also considered to identify the resistance of bacteria to available antibiotics.
• The patient should avoid Calcium-inclusive foods as it interacts with the medicine.

How to take Ceftriaxone?

If you take this medicine in intravenous form, the infusion takes 30 minutes to complete. In Intramuscular form, it can be taken under the guidance of a medical expert. If you are taking this medication at home, follow the guidelines as prescribed by your medical doctor. Please call your medical doctor immediately to avoid unnecessary complications if you are unsure.

Forms And Strengths Of Ceftriaxone

Dosage Of Ceftriaxone For Treatment Of Urinary Tract Infections

 Ceftriaxone doses to treat UTIs are as follows:

• For adults: 12 years and above, 1g to 2g per day (Intravenous)
• Same as above for injection, two doses per day divided into 12 hours.
• For Infants: below 12 years, 50 to 75 mg per day (Intravenous)
• The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends 75 mg for IV and IM per day.

Is Ceftriaxone Good for UTI?

Medical experts and professionals primarily prescribe Ceftriaxone for UTIs due to its quick mechanism and absorption action. Ceftriaxone fights bacteria (or pathogens) that help to build inflectional walls. Ceftriaxone works more on the higher side of infection through its single dose.

A study was conducted on 52 patients having UTIs, of which 26 were given Trimethoprim SulfaMethoxazole(TMS), and the other 26 were given Ceftriaxone. Among those who were administered TMS, 13 showed positive results. On the other side, 20 patients with Ceftriaxone showed positive results. Overall, Ceftriaxone was proven to be more effective than TMS.

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) for UTIs: How Long To Feel Better?

Each medicine has its working capacity in the human body. Some drugs work fast, whereas some take time as per their usage and dosage. Similarly, Ceftriaxone has its mechanism to help us feel better. As per research, it is found that Ceftriaxone will help you to feel better in 2 to 14 days.

Regarding UTIs, it can take 7 to 14 days for complicated UTIs to be eradicated from the body and start feeling better. For uncomplicated UTIs, you may feel better from the 2nd or the 3rd day. Please consult with your medical doctor to comprehend better the difference between complicated and uncomplicated UTIs. Seek professional bits of advice on which type of UTIs you are experiencing.

What If Ceftriaxone Doesn’t Work For UTIs?

It is possible that Rocephin may not work for you. This, however, is rare, and in most cases, it has been observed that Rocephin works. If Rocephin does not work in your case, then the doctor may prescribe Nitrofurantoin.

Ceftriaxone Side Effects

• Pain at the site of injection.
• Upset stomach
• Rash, hives 
• Heartburn
• Seizures
• Foul-smelling urine
• Breathing problems
• Fever

Important Considerations for Taking this Drug

One should follow the guidelines and considerations for taking this drug.

• General: Follow the guidelines given by your healthcare expert while taking the medication at home. The dosage should be followed according to the prescribed value. Keep updated about your before and after urine tests as your doctor will need to check the medication’s effectiveness.
• Storage: It should be stored in a cool and dry place to avoid direct sunlight. Refrigeration of medicine should be done. 
• Refills: Refills are not possible for both IV and IM forms. They should be stored appropriately and not refilled if the dose remains.
• Travel: There are no sedating effects found with Ceftriaxone, so that you can travel with it, but avoid travelling if you are on an intravenous dose system.

Are There Any Alternatives?

Ceftriaxone has used medication for treating UTIs most of  the time, and although there are alternatives available, you can also choose other options such as:

• Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (Bactrim)
• Fosfomycin For UTIs
• Nitrofurantoin for UTIs
• Ciprofloxacin for UTIs
• Cephalexin for UTIs
• Levofloxacin for UTIs
• Amoxicillin for UTIs
• Doxycycline for UTIs

Conclusion

Ceftriaxone is used to treat bacterial infections. It is also preferred for UTIs due to its quick properties and mechanism of action. It makes it easier to slow down the bacterial cell growth in your urinary tract system. Since it is dosed in IV and IM form, precautions should be taken under the guidance of healthcare experts in accordance with their guidelines. If unsure, please call them immediately.

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