J Korean Med Sci.  2012 Sep;27(9):1120-1123. 10.3346/jkms.2012.27.9.1120.

Ceftiaxone-Induced Neurotoxicity: Case Report, Pharmacokinetic Considerations, and Literature Review

• Kim KB
• Kim SM
• Park W
• Kim JS
• Kwon SK
• Kim HY

• KMID: 1782150
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2012.27.9.1120

Abstract

Ceftriaxone is widely used in patients for the treatment of serious gram-negative infections. Ceftriaxone can induce some potential side effects, including neurotoxicity, however, nonconvulsive status epilepticus has rarely been reported. We report a case of acute reversible neurotoxicity associated with ceftriaxone. A 65-yr-old woman with chronic kidney disease developed altered consciousness during ceftriaxone treatment for urinary tract infection. The electroencephalogram demonstrated continuous bursts of generalized, high-voltage, 1 to 2 Hz sharp wave activity. Neurologic symptoms disappeared following withdrawal of ceftriaxone. The possibility of ceftriaxone-induced neurotoxicity should be considered in patients developing neurological impairment during ceftriaxone use, and the discontinuation of the drug could lead to complete neurological improvement.

Keyword

Ceftriaxone; Cephalosporins; Chronic Kidney Failure; Seizures

MeSH Terms

Aged
Anti-Bacterial Agents/*adverse effects/therapeutic use
Anticoagulants/therapeutic use
Ceftriaxone/*adverse effects/therapeutic use
Electroencephalography
Female
Humans
Nervous System Diseases/*etiology
Renal Dialysis
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/pathology
Seizures/etiology
Thrombosis/diagnosis/drug therapy
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Urinalysis
Urinary Tract Infections/diagnosis/drug therapy
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Anticoagulants
Ceftriaxone

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