Denitsef powder for solution for injection 1 g bottle No. 1
Instructions Denitsef powder for solution for injection 1 g bottle No. 1
Composition
active ingredient: ceftriaxone;
1 vial contains ceftriaxone (in the form of ceftriaxone sodium) 1 g;
excipients: none.
Dosage form
Powder for solution for injection.
Main physicochemical properties: slightly hygroscopic crystalline powder of almost white or yellowish color.
Pharmacotherapeutic group
Antibacterials for systemic use. Other beta-lactam antibiotics. Third-generation cephalosporins. Ceftriaxone. ATX code J01D D04.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics
Mechanism of action
Ceftriaxone inhibits the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall after binding to penicillin-binding proteins. As a result, the biosynthesis of the cell wall (peptidoglycan) stops, which in turn leads to the lysis of the bacterial cell and its death.
Resistance
Bacterial resistance to ceftriaxone can develop as a result of one or more mechanisms:
Hydrolysis by beta-lactamases, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, carbapenemases and Amp C enzymes, which can be induced or stably suppressed in some aerobic gram-negative bacteria. Reduced affinity of penicillin-binding proteins to ceftriaxone. Impermeability of the outer membrane in gram-negative bacteria. Bacterial efflux pump.
Limit values when determining sensitivity
Limit values of the minimum inhibitory concentration are determined by the European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST):
In general, sensitive species
Gram-positive aerobes
Staphylococcus aureus (methicillinsensitive)£, coagulase-negative staphylococci (methicillinsensitive)£, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A), Streptococcus agalactiae (group B), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococci of the Viridans group.
Gram-negative aerobes
Borrelia burgdorferi, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia spp., Treponema pallidum.
Species for which acquired resistance may be a problem
Gram-positive aerobes
Staphylococcus epidermidis+, Staphylococcus haemolyticus+, Staphylococcus hominis+.
Gram-negative aerobes
Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli%, Klebsiella pneumoniae%, Klebsiella oxytoca%, Morganella morganii, Proteus vulgaris, Serratia marcescens.
Anaerobes
Bacteroides spp., Fusobacterium spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Clostridium perfringens.
Initially resistant microorganisms
Gram-positive aerobes
Enterococcus spp., Listeria monocytogenes.
Gram-negative aerobes
Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
Anaerobes
Clostridium difficile.
Others
Chlamydia spp., Chlamydophila spp., Mycoplasma spp., Legionella spp., Ureaplasma urealyticum.
£ All methylicilin-resistant staphylococci are resistant to ceftriaxone.
+ Frequency of resistance >50% in at least one region.
% Strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase are always resistant.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Intramuscular injection
After intramuscular injection, the mean peak plasma levels of ceftriaxone are approximately half those observed after an equivalent intravenous dose. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) after a single intramuscular injection of 1 g of the drug is 81 mg/l and is reached 2-3 hours after administration. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) after intramuscular injection is equal to that after an equivalent intravenous dose.
Intravenous administration
After an intravenous bolus administration of ceftriaxone at a dose of 1 g, the mean peak plasma level of ceftriaxone is approximately 200 mg/l. After an intravenous infusion of ceftriaxone at a dose of 1 g, the plasma level of ceftriaxone is approximately 150 mg/l.
Distribution
The volume of distribution of ceftriaxone is 7–12 L. Concentrations well in excess of the minimum inhibitory concentrations for most important pathogens are found in tissues including the lungs, heart, biliary tract, liver, tonsils, middle ear and nasal mucosa, bone, as well as cerebrospinal, pleural and synovial fluids, and prostatic secretion. An increase in mean Cmax of 8–15% was observed with repeated administration; steady state was reached in most cases within 48–72 hours depending on the route of administration.
Penetration into individual tissues
Ceftriaxone penetrates the meninges. Penetration is more pronounced in cases of inflammation of the meninges. The average peak concentration of ceftriaxone in the cerebrospinal fluid in patients with bacterial meningitis is up to 25% of that in blood plasma compared to 2% in patients without inflammation of the meninges. Peak concentrations of ceftriaxone in the cerebrospinal fluid are reached approximately 4-6 hours after intravenous injection. Ceftriaxone crosses the placental barrier and is expected to be present in low concentrations in breast milk (see section "Use during pregnancy or lactation").
Ceftriaxone is reversibly bound to albumin. Plasma protein binding is approximately 95% at plasma concentrations below 100 mg/L. Binding is saturable, with the extent of binding decreasing with increasing concentration (to 85% at plasma concentrations of 300 mg/L).
Metabolism
Ceftriaxone is not subject to systemic metabolism, but is converted into inactive metabolites by the intestinal flora.
Breeding
The total plasma clearance of ceftriaxone (bound and unbound) is 10–22 ml/min. Renal clearance is 5–12 ml/min. 50–60% of ceftriaxone is excreted unchanged by the kidneys, primarily by glomerular filtration, 40–50% is excreted unchanged in the bile. The elimination half-life of ceftriaxone in adults is approximately 8 hours.
Patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency
In patients with renal or hepatic impairment, the pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone are not significantly altered, with only a slight increase in half-life (less than 2-fold), even in patients with severe renal impairment.
The relatively moderate increase in half-life in renal impairment is due to a compensatory increase in extrarenal clearance resulting from reduced protein binding and a corresponding increase in extrarenal clearance of total ceftriaxone.
In patients with hepatic impairment, the elimination half-life of ceftriaxone is not increased due to a compensatory increase in renal clearance. This is also due to an increase in the free fraction of ceftriaxone in plasma, which contributes to an apparent paradoxical increase in total clearance of the drug with an increase in the volume of distribution parallel to this total clearance.
Elderly patients
In patients aged 75 years and older, the mean half-life is usually 2–3 times longer than in younger adults.
Children
The elimination half-life of ceftriaxone is prolonged in neonates up to 14 days of age. Free ceftriaxone levels may continue to increase as a result of factors such as decreased glomerular filtration and impaired protein binding. The elimination half-life is shorter in children than in neonates or adults.
Plasma clearance and volume of distribution of total ceftriaxone are higher in neonates, infants and children than in adults.
Linearity/nonlinearity
The pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone are nonlinear, and all major pharmacokinetic parameters, except for half-life, are dose-dependent, based on total drug concentration, decreasing less than proportionally with dose. The nonlinearity is observed as a result of saturation of plasma protein binding, so that total ceftriaxone is observed in plasma, but not for free (unbound) ceftriaxone.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship
As with other beta-lactams, the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic index that shows the best correlation with in vivo efficacy is the percentage of the dosing interval over which the unbound concentration remains above the minimum inhibitory concentration of ceftriaxone for the individual target species (i.e. %T > minimum inhibitory concentration).
Indication
Ceftriaxone is used to treat the following infections in adults and children, including full-term newborns (from birth):
bacterial meningitis; community-acquired pneumonia; hospital-acquired pneumonia; acute otitis media; intra-abdominal infections; complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis); bone and joint infections; complicated skin and soft tissue infections; gonorrhea; syphilis; bacterial endocarditis.
Ceftriaxone can be used for:
Treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adults; Treatment of disseminated Lyme disease [early (stage II) and late (stage III)] in adults and children, including neonates from 15 days of age; Preoperative prophylaxis of surgical site infections; Management of neutropenic patients who have developed fever with suspected bacterial infection; Treatment of patients with bacteremia secondary to any of the above infections, or if any of the above infections are suspected.
Ceftriaxone should be administered together with other antibacterial drugs if the possible range of bacterial pathogens does not fall within the spectrum of action of ceftriaxone (see section "Special instructions").
Official recommendations on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents should be considered.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity to ceftriaxone or to any other cephalosporin. History of severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylactic reactions) to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agent (penicillins, monobactams and carbapenems).
Ceftriaxone is contraindicated:
premature newborns aged ≤ 41 weeks, taking into account the term of intrauterine development (gestational age + age after birth)*;
full-term newborns (age ≤ 28 days):
who require (or are expected to require) intravenous calcium preparations or infusions of calcium-containing solutions, as there is a risk of precipitation of the calcium salt of ceftriaxone (see sections "Special instructions for use" and "Adverse reactions").
* - In vitro studies have shown that ceftriaxone can displace bilirubin from its association with serum albumin, leading to a risk of bilirubin encephalopathy in such patients.
Before intramuscular administration of ceftriaxone, it is necessary to exclude the presence of contraindications to the use of lidocaine, if it is used as a solvent (see section "Special instructions for use"), see the instructions for medical use of lidocaine, especially contraindications.
Ceftriaxone solutions containing lidocaine should never be administered intravenously.
Special safety precautions
Release of the medicinal product into the environment should be minimized. Prevent the medicinal product from entering the sewage system or household waste.
Interaction with other medicinal products and other types of interactions
Diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer's solution or Hartmann's solution, should not be used to reconstitute Denicef in vials or to further dilute the reconstituted solution for intravenous administration, as a precipitate may form. Precipitates of ceftriaxone calcium may also form when ceftriaxone is mixed with calcium-containing solutions in the same infusion line. Ceftriaxone should not be administered simultaneously with calcium-containing intravenous solutions, including calcium-containing solutions for long-term infusion, such as parenteral nutrition solutions, through a Y-line. However, in patients other than neonates, ceftriaxone and calcium-containing solutions may be administered sequentially, one after the other, provided that the system is thoroughly flushed with a compatible fluid between infusions. In vitro studies using cord blood plasma in adults and neonates have shown that neonates are at increased risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone calcium (see sections Contraindications, Precautions, Dosage and Administration, Adverse Reactions and Incompatibilities).
Concomitant use of the drug with oral anticoagulants may enhance the effect of the vitamin K antagonist and the risk of bleeding. It is recommended to frequently check the international normalized ratio (INR) and adjust the dose of vitamin K antagonists appropriately both during and after ceftriaxone therapy (see section "Adverse reactions").
There is conflicting evidence regarding the potential for increased renal toxicity of aminoglycosides when used with cephalosporins. In such cases, the recommendations for monitoring aminoglycoside levels (and renal function) in clinical practice should be carefully followed.
In an in vitro study, antagonism was observed when chloramphenicol was used in combination with ceftriaxone. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.
There have been no reported cases of interaction between ceftriaxone and oral calcium-containing drugs or between intramuscular ceftriaxone and calcium-containing drugs (intravenous or oral).
False-positive Coombs test results are possible in patients taking ceftriaxone.
Ceftriaxone, like other antibiotics, may cause false-positive test results for galactosemia.
Similarly, non-enzymatic methods for determining urine glucose may give false positive results. For this reason, during the period of ceftriaxone administration, urine glucose levels should be determined using enzymatic methods.
No renal dysfunction has been observed after concomitant use of high doses of ceftriaxone and potent diuretics (e.g. furosemide).
Concomitant use of probenecid does not reduce the excretion of ceftriaxone.
Application features
Hypersensitivity reactions
As with all beta-lactam antibiotics, serious hypersensitivity reactions, sometimes fatal, have been reported (see section 4.8). In the event of a severe hypersensitivity reaction, ceftriaxone should be discontinued immediately and appropriate emergency measures should be taken. Before initiating treatment, it should be ascertained whether the patient has a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to ceftriaxone, to other cephalosporins or to other types of beta-lactam agents. Ceftriaxone should be used with caution in patients with a history of non-severe hypersensitivity to other beta-lactam agents.
Cases of serious skin adverse reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Lyell's syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome)), which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported with ceftriaxone treatment, but the frequency of these events is unknown (see section "Adverse reactions").
Cases of ceftriaxone calcium precipitates in the lungs and kidneys with fatal outcomes have been reported in premature and full-term infants up to 1 month of age. In at least one of these patients, ceftriaxone and calcium were administered at different times and through different intravenous infusion systems. According to the available scientific data, there are no confirmed cases of intravascular precipitates in patients, except in neonates who were administered ceftriaxone and calcium-containing solutions or any other calcium-containing drugs. In vitro studies have shown that neonates are at increased risk of ceftriaxone calcium precipitates compared to patients of other age groups.
When ceftriaxone is used in patients of any age, it should not be mixed or administered simultaneously with any intravenous solutions containing calcium, even if different infusion systems are used or the drugs are administered at different infusion sites. However, in patients 28 days of age and older, ceftriaxone and calcium-containing solutions may be administered sequentially, one after the other, provided that the drugs are administered through different infusion systems at different body sites or that the infusion system is replaced or thoroughly flushed with saline between administrations to prevent the formation of a precipitate. For patients who require continuous infusions of calcium-containing solutions for total parenteral nutrition (TPN), healthcare professionals may prescribe alternative antibacterial agents that do not carry a similar risk of precipitate formation. If the use of ceftriaxone in patients requiring continuous parenteral nutrition is deemed necessary, PPH solutions and ceftriaxone may be administered simultaneously, albeit through different infusion systems and into different body sites. Alternatively, the PPH solutions may be withheld during the ceftriaxone infusion and the infusion systems flushed between administrations (see sections Contraindications, Adverse Reactions and Incompatibilities).
Children
The safety and efficacy of Denicef in neonates, infants and children have been established at the doses described in the section "Method of administration and dosage". Studies have shown that ceftriaxone, like some other cephalosporins, can displace bilirubin from its association with serum albumin.
Denicef is contraindicated in premature and full-term newborns at risk of developing bilirubin encephalopathy (see section "Contraindications").
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
Cases of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia have been observed in patients receiving cephalosporin antibacterial agents, including Denicef (see section "Adverse reactions"). Severe cases of hemolytic anemia, including fatal cases, have been reported during treatment with ceftriaxone in both adults and children.
If a patient develops anemia while taking ceftriaxone, the diagnosis of cephalosporin-associated anemia should be considered and ceftriaxone should be discontinued until the etiology is determined.
Long-term treatment
During long-term treatment, a complete blood count should be performed regularly.
Colitis/overgrowth of non-susceptible microorganisms
Antibacterial-associated colitis and pseudomembranous colitis have been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including ceftriaxone. The severity of these events may range from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider the possibility of such a diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhoea during or after the use of ceftriaxone (see section 4.8). Ceftriaxone therapy should be discontinued and appropriate anti-Clostridium difficile therapy should be considered. Medicinal products that inhibit peristalsis should not be used.
As with the use of other antibacterial agents, superinfections caused by microorganisms insensitive to the drug may occur.
Severe renal and hepatic insufficiency
In case of severe renal and hepatic insufficiency, careful clinical monitoring of the safety and efficacy of the drug is recommended (see section "Method of administration and dosage").
Impact on serological test results
When using the drug Denicef, the Coombs test may give false-positive results. The drug Denicef may also cause false-positive results in the analysis for the presence of galactosemia (see section "Adverse reactions").
When determining glucose in urine by non-enzymatic methods, false-positive results may be obtained. During the use of the drug Denicef, the level of glucose in urine should be determined by enzymatic methods of analysis (see section "Adverse reactions").
Sodium
1 gram of Denicef contains 3.6 mmol (83 mg) of sodium. This should be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.
Ceftriaxone has a limited spectrum of antibacterial activity and may not be suitable for use as monotherapy in the treatment of certain types of infection unless the causative agent is already confirmed (see section 4.2). In polymicrobial infections where ceftriaxone-resistant organisms are suspected, additional antibiotics should be considered.
Use of lidocaine
If lidocaine solution is used as a diluent, ceftriaxone can only be administered intramuscularly. Before administering the drug, it is necessary to take into account the contraindications to the use of lidocaine, precautions and other relevant information given in the instructions for medical use of lidocaine (see section "Contraindications"). Lidocaine solution should never be administered intravenously.
Gallstone disease
In case of shadows on the sonogram, the possibility of ceftriaxone calcium precipitates should be considered. Shadows mistaken for gallstones have been observed on sonograms of the gallbladder, and their frequency increased with ceftriaxone doses of 1 g per day and above. Particular caution should be exercised when using the drug in children. Such precipitates disappear after cessation of ceftriaxone therapy. Rarely, the formation of ceftriaxone calcium precipitates has been accompanied by symptoms. If symptoms are present, conservative non-surgical treatment is recommended. The physician should decide to discontinue the drug, taking into account the results of the benefit-risk assessment in a specific case (see section "Adverse reactions").
Bile stasis
Cases of pancreatitis, possibly secondary to biliary obstruction, have been reported in patients receiving ceftriaxone (see section 4.8). Most of these patients had risk factors for cholestasis and biliary sludge formation, such as previous treatment, severe illness and total parenteral nutrition. It cannot be excluded that the formation of biliary precipitates due to the use of Denicef may be a precipitating or additional factor in the development of this disorder.
Kidney stone disease
Cases of kidney stones have been reported, which resolved after discontinuation of ceftriaxone (see section 4.8). If symptoms are present, an ultrasound examination should be performed. The decision to use the drug in patients with a history of kidney stones or hypercalciuria should be made by the physician, taking into account the results of the benefit-risk assessment in the individual case.
Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR)
Some patients with spirochetal infections may develop a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) shortly after initiation of ceftriaxone therapy. JHR is usually a self-limiting condition or can be managed with symptomatic therapy. Antibiotic therapy should not be discontinued if JHR occurs.
Encephalopathy
Encephalopathy has been reported with ceftriaxone (see section 4.8), particularly in elderly patients with severe renal impairment (see section 4.2) or central nervous system disorders. If ceftriaxone-related encephalopathy is suspected (e.g., decreased level of consciousness, altered mental status, myoclonus, convulsions), discontinuation of ceftriaxone should be considered.
Ability to influence reaction speed when driving vehicles or other mechanisms
During treatment with ceftriaxone, side effects such as dizziness may occur, which may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery (see section "Adverse reactions"). Patients should be careful when driving or operating other machinery.
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Ceftriaxone crosses the placental barrier. There are limited data from the use of ceftriaxone in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to embryonal/fetal, perinatal or postnatal development. Ceftriaxone should be used during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, only if the benefit outweighs the risk.
Breastfeeding period
Ceftriaxone is excreted in breast milk in low concentrations, but no effects on the breastfed infant are expected at therapeutic doses. However, the risk of diarrhoea and fungal infections of the mucous membranes cannot be excluded. The possibility of sensitization should be considered. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from ceftriaxone therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Fertility
Reproductive studies have shown no evidence of adverse effects on male or female fertility.
Method of administration and doses
Dosage
The recommended doses for the indications are given below. In particularly severe cases, the highest dose in the recommended range should be used.
Adults and children aged 12 years and over (≥50 kg)
Indication
| Ceftriaxone dose* | Frequency of administration** | |
| 1–2 g | 1 time per day | Community-acquired pneumonia. Acute complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Intra-abdominal infections. Complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis). |
| 2 g | 1 time per day | Hospital-acquired pneumonia. Complicated skin and soft tissue infections. Bone and joint infections. |
| 2–4 g | 1 time per day | Management of neutropenic patients who develop fever and are suspected of having a bacterial infection. Bacterial endocarditis. Bacterial meningitis. |
* - In case of documented bacteremia, the highest dose in the recommended range should be considered.
** - In case of doses exceeding 2 g per day, the issue of administering the drug 2 times a day (with a 12-hour interval) should be considered.
Indications in adults and children aged 12 years and over (≥ 50 kg) requiring special dosing regimens:
Acute otitis media
A single intramuscular dose of 1–2 g of Denicef can be used.
Some data suggest that in cases where the patient's condition is severe or previous therapy has been ineffective, Denicef may be effective when administered intramuscularly at a dose of 1–2 g per day for 3 days.
Preoperative prophylaxis of surgical site infections 2 g once before surgery.
Gonorrhea
Single dose 500 mg intramuscularly.
Syphilis
The recommended dose is 500 mg–1 g once daily, increasing to 2 g once daily for neurosyphilis over 10–14 days. Dosage recommendations for syphilis, including neurosyphilis, are based on limited data. National or local guidelines should also be considered.
Disseminated Lyme disease [early (stage II) and late (stage III)]
2 g once daily for 14–21 days. The recommended duration of treatment varies and should be based on national or local recommendations.
Children
Newborns, infants and children aged 15 days to 12 years (<50 kg)
Children weighing ≥ 50 kg should use the usual adult doses.
Indication
| Ceftriaxone dose* | Frequency of administration** | |
| 50–80 mg/kg | 1 time per day | Intra-abdominal infections. Complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis). Community-acquired pneumonia. Hospital-acquired pneumonia. |
50–100 mg/kg (maximum 4 g) | 1 time per day | Complicated skin and soft tissue infections. Bone and joint infections. Management of neutropenic patients who develop fever and are suspected of having a bacterial infection. |
80–100 mg/kg (maximum 4 g) | 1 time per day | Bacterial meningitis |
100 mg/kg (maximum 4 g) | 1 time per day | Bacterial endocarditis |
* - In case of documented bacteremia, the highest dose in the recommended range should be considered.
** - In case of doses exceeding 2 g per day, consider administering the drug 2 times a day (with a 12-hour interval).
Indications in newborns, infants and children aged 15 days to 12 years (< 50 kg) requiring special dosing regimens:
Acute otitis media
A single intramuscular injection of Denicef at a dose of 50 mg/kg may be used for the initial treatment of acute otitis media. Some evidence suggests that in cases where the child's condition is severe or previous therapy has been ineffective, Denicef may be effective when administered intramuscularly at a dose of 50 mg/kg per day for 3 days.
Preoperative prophylaxis of surgical site infections 50–80 mg/kg once before surgery.
Syphilis
The recommended dose is 75–100 mg/kg (maximum 4 g) once daily for 10–14 days. Dosage recommendations for syphilis, including neurosyphilis, are based on very limited data. National or local recommendations should also be taken into account.
Disseminated Lyme disease [early (stage II) and late (stage III)] 50–80 mg/kg once daily for 14–21 days. The recommended duration of treatment varies and national or local guidelines should be taken into account.
Newborns aged 0–14 days
Denicef is contraindicated for use in premature neonates with a postmenstrual age of less than 41 weeks (gestational age + calendar age).
Indication
| Ceftriaxone dose* | Frequency of administration** | |
| 20–50 mg/kg | 1 time per day | Intra-abdominal infections. Complicated skin and soft tissue infections. Complicated urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis). Community-acquired pneumonia. Hospital-acquired pneumonia. Bone and joint infections. Management of neutropenic patients who develop fever and are suspected of having a bacterial infection. |
| 50 mg/cu | 1 time per day | Bacterial meningitis. Bacterial endocarditis. |