Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Third-Generation Cephalosporin — Meningitis / Sepsis / Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Ceftriaxone (Paediatric)

Brand names: Rocephin

This page covers ceftriaxone in children — a third-generation cephalosporin used for serious infections such as bacterial meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins, with broad activity against many Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens.

Prescribing in practice

  • Ceftriaxone must not be given with calcium-containing intravenous fluids in neonates because of the risk of fatal calcium-ceftriaxone precipitates, and it is generally avoided in jaundiced neonates as it displaces bilirubin.
  • Check for penicillin or cephalosporin allergy, and dose by weight using a children's formulary.
  • It can cause biliary pseudolithiasis and, rarely, immune haemolysis.

Monitoring

Monitor clinical response, and remain alert to allergic reactions and, in neonates, the calcium and bilirubin cautions.

Counselling the patient

  • This is a strong antibiotic used for serious infections.
  • Tell the team about any penicillin or antibiotic allergy.
  • Report any rash, swelling or breathing difficulty immediately.

Evidence & guidelines

Ceftriaxone is a recommended agent for paediatric bacterial meningitis and sepsis, with specific neonatal calcium and bilirubin contraindications.

Reference: NICE NG41 (Meningitis in Children); PHE Meningococcal Disease Guidelines; RCPCH Antibiotic Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways