Rocephin (roe-SEF-in)

Rocephin (ceftriaxone [sef try ACK son]) is a cephalosporin antibiotic that treats infections caused by certain bacteria. It can be used to treat chronic bacterial prostatitis.

Rocephin Warnings

Inform your physician if you are allergic to any cephalosporin, penicillin, or other medications. Patients who are penicillin-sensitive should use this medication cautiously. Severe allergic reactions may require epinephrine. Anaphylactic reactions may cause fatalities.

Do not use diluents that contain calcium; Rocephin must not be used with calcium-containing IV solutions. Products containing any calcium may combine with Rocephin and result in severe accumulations in the lungs and kidneys.

Rocephin and other antibiotics may be associated with diarrhea that ranges from mild to fatal colitis. If Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) is suspected, you may need to stop using this medication. Consult your physician.

Using cephalosporin antibiotics such as Rocephin may result in hemolytic anemia. If you develop anemia while taking this medication, consult your physician immediately. Ceasing use of Rocephin may be necessary until the cause of the anemia can be established.

Do not use this medication to treat a viral infection, as it is unnecessary and will not work to clear the infection. It should only be used to treat bacterial infection.

Use of this medication and other antibiotics may cause excessive growth of fungi and other organisms. If an infection occurs as a result of this medication, medical attention and ceasing Rocephin treatment are necessary.

Rocephin may be associated with the increased risk of yeast infections.

Do not use Rocephin past its expiration date, as use of outdated Rocephin may result in severe side effects.

Be sure to know how you respond to Rocephin before driving, operating machinery, or performing any dangerous activity, as it may affect your ability to perform.

Rocephin may interact with the following medicines or types of medicines:

Amsacrine
Chloramphenicol
Fluconazole
Labetalol
Vancomycin
Aminoglycosides
Calcium-containing products
Live bacterial vaccines

Why Is Rocephin Prescribed for Prostatitis?

Doctors may administer antibiotics such as Rocephin to treat chronic bacterial prostatitis to rid the body of infection.

How Should Rocephin Be Used?

Rocephin is administered intravenously or intramuscularly by a physician. It is a crystalline powder that is soluble in water, slightly soluble in methanol, and barely soluble in ethanol.

Standard adult dose is one to two grams daily. You may be given equally divided doses twice per day. Total daily dose should not surpass four grams.

Dose depends on the kind of infection and its severity. Your physician will administer the correct dose.

It is recommended for physicians to administer a single 1 gram dose to patients about to undergo certain types of surgeries to lessen the frequency of post-op infections.

Other Uses for Rocephin

Rocephin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, including:

Lower respiratory tract infections
Acute bacterial otitis media
Skin infections
Urinary tract infections
Gonorrhea
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Bacterial septicemia
Bone and joint infections
Intra-abdominal infections
Bacterial meningitis
Sepsis
Lyme disease
Middle ear infection
Peritonitis
Salmonella
Epididymitis
Chancroid
Staphylococcus infection
Pneumonia
Enteritis
Proctocolitis
Streptococcus infection
Soft tissue infection
coli
Klebsiella infection
Infectious bone disease
Proteus infections

Do I Need to Follow Special Precautions?

Provide your physician with a medical history, especially with consideration for

Gallbladder disease
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Stomach or intestinal diseases

Discuss any allergies you have with your physician before taking Rocephin, especially allergies involving:

Ingredients in Rocephin
Other cephalosporins
Penicillin
Any other antibiotics

Roughly 10% of those allergic to penicillins may be allergic to this medication as well.

Inform your physician if you are planning to have any surgeries during the course of treatment with this medication.

Inform your physician of any products you are currently taking, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Rocephin may interact with certain products.

Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Rocephin?

Continue your normal diet unless otherwise directed by your physician.

What If I Forget a Dose?

If a dose is missed, use the medication as soon as you remember. However, if nearing the time when you are supposed to administer the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If a dose is missed, do not double the dose.

Are There Side Effects When Taking Rocephin for Prostatitis?

Inform your physician promptly if you experience any of the following side effects:

Swelling, redness, or pain at injection site
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Bloody, tarry, or clay-colored stools
Abdominal pain or cramping
Chills, fever, or other flu-like symptoms
Chest pain or tightness
Cough
Difficulty urinating or pain while urinating
Sore throat
Ulcers in the mouth
Swollen glands
Abnormal bleeding or bruising
Abnormal weakness or sleepiness
Back, side, or leg pain
Bleeding gums
Bloating
Bloody nose
Skin color changes
Convulsions
Dark urine
Dizziness
Pounding or irregular heartbeat
Anxiety
Elevated sweating
Elevated thirst
Joint inflammation
Achy muscles
Swelling of eyes, face, or tongue
Bad breath
Abnormal weight loss
Paralysis
Painful intercourse

Inform your physician immediately if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction while taking Rocephin, including:

Rash
Itchy skin
Hives
Wheezing
Throat swelling
Breathing difficulties

Does Rocephin Have Special Storage Instructions?

This sterile powder should be stored at room temperature or lower away from light. Keep away from children or pets.

What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?

In case of a suspected overdose, contact an emergency room or poison control center immediately. For a local control center in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents: call a poison control center within your province.