The Basics
What is Ceftriaxone?
Used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body; also given before certain types of surgery to prevent infections.
Brand names for Ceftriaxone
Rocephin
How Ceftriaxone is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Cephalosporins
Ceftriaxone During Pregnancy
Ceftriaxone pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Ceftriaxone while pregnant
Reproductive studies have been performed in mice and rats at doses up to 20 times the usual human dose and have no evidence of embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity or teratogenicity. In primates, no embryotoxicity or teratogenicity was demonstrated at a dose approximately 3 times the human dose. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Taking Ceftriaxone While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ceftriaxone?
Limited information indicates that ceftriaxones produce low levels in milk which are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Ceftriaxone is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that ceftriaxones produce low levels in milk which are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Ceftriaxone is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Ceftriaxone on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Ceftriaxone
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Kafetzis DA, Brater DC, Fanourgakis JE et al. Ceftriaxone distribution between maternal blood and fetal blood and tissues at parturition and between blood and milk postpartum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1983;23:870-3. PMID: 6311089
2. Kaplan YC, Keskin-Arslan E, Acar S et al. Teicoplanin use during breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2017. PMID: 28051878
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
