Herbal Spotlight
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NEW WARNING
Roche pharmaceuticals has issued a "Dear Healthcare Professional" letter about new prescribing information pertaining to their antibiotic ceftriaxone (Rocephin). New warnings and contraindications have been added following fatal reactions when ceftriaxone was given with calcium-containing solutions. The drug is now contraindicated with hyperbilirubinemic neonates because ceftriaxone can displace bilirubin from binding to serum albumin and cause encephalopathy. It's also contraindicated with use of any calcium-containing solutions or products in newborns because of the risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium salts in the lungs and kidneys. The timing of administration and the use of infusion lines varied with patients suffering adverse effects, so all use together is contraindicated. It's also stated in the Dosage section that the drug shouldn't be used with diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer’s or Hartmann’s solutions, because of the risk of precipitate formation. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to report adverse events to MedWatch.
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ceftriaxone