Ceftriaxone

Definition

Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is particularly effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ceftriaxone is commonly used to treat severe or life-threatening bacterial infections, including meningitis and sepsis.
2. It can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly, allowing for flexibility in treatment settings.
3. Ceftriaxone works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis and death.
4. This antibiotic is often used in the treatment of gonococcal infections, which affect the urogenital system.
5. Ceftriaxone has a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing in most cases.

Review Questions

• What types of bacteria is ceftriaxone particularly effective against?
• How does ceftriaxone interfere with bacterial cell function?
• In what forms can ceftriaxone be administered?

Related terms

Penicillin:

A class of antibiotics that also inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis but are chemically distinct from cephalosporins.

Gonorrhea:

A sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae that can be treated with ceftriaxone.

Sepsis:

A life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to an infection, often treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics like ceftriaxone.