Adult

Ceftriaxone

General Information

Third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic

Do NOT use if patient has a history of severe penicillin allergy.  If in doubt, discuss with Micro/ID.

Formulary antimicrobial: Use in accordance with Trust guidelines. All other indications must be recommended/prescribed by a Micro/ID consultant or registrar.

AWaRe antibiotic classification: 'Watch'. Use as per guidelines. All other indications to be discussed with Micro/ID.

For all information regarding interactions, contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding and additional information, see BNF.

Standard Dose

  Intravenous dose
Standard dose 2g OD
CNS infection 2g BD

Obesity

No dose adjustment is generally required. Speak to pharmacy in cases of significantly higher BMI. 

Renal and hepatic impairment

Renal impairment

eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2)

Dose

10 and above

Dose as in normal renal function

Less than 10

Max 2g per day

HDF/High Flux

Unknown dialysability.

Dose as in eGFR less than 10ml/min/1.73m2

HD/PD

Not dialysed.

Dose as in eGFR less than 10ml/min/1.73m2

 

Hepatic impairment

  • Mild or moderate hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment required, provided that there is no renal function impairment.
  • If both hepatic and severe renal impairment present, close clinical monitoring for safety and efficacy is advised. 

References

  1. Wockhardt UK Ltd. Ceftriaxone 2g Powder for solution for injection/infusion summary of product characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium [Internet]. Last revision of the text 23/1/25. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk Accessed 3/2/26
  2. British National Formulary. Ceftriaxone. BNF online accessed via www.medicinescomplete.com  Accessed 3/2/26.
  3. The Renal Drug Database. Ceftriaxone. Last updated 15/08/23. Accessed via https://renaldrugdatabase.com Accessed 3/2/26.
  4. Sanford Guide [online] Ceftriaxone. Last updated 29/01/26. Accessed via https://webedition.sanfordguide.com Accessed 12/02/26
  5. Sanford Guide [online]. Obesity dosing adjustment. Last updated 21/1/26. Accessed via https://webedition.sanfordguide.com Accessed 12/2/26
  6. UKCPA Critical Care Group (2013) Drug dosing in extremes of body weight in critically ill patients.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 12 Feb 2026

Next review date: 05 Feb 2029

Author(s): AMST.