What should you know about ceftriaxone injection for tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis can result from viruses or bacteria. Antibiotics do not help viral illness. When a bacterial infection such as strep throat is suspected, a clinician weighs your examination, symptoms, testing and allergy history before choosing treatment. Ceftriaxone is given into a muscle or vein and is not suitable for every sore throat.

The injection may be considered when swallowing medicine is difficult, treatment by mouth is unsuitable, or a clinician needs a particular antibiotic plan. It can cause injection-site discomfort, diarrhoea, nausea or an allergic reaction. Tell the prescriber about medicine allergies, liver or kidney problems, pregnancy and other medicines.

Arrange a GP consultation if severe throat pain, fever, swollen glands or difficulty swallowing is not settling. Do not use leftover antibiotics or ask for an injection without an assessment. Follow the prescribed schedule, drink fluids if you can, and use only pain relief that is suitable for you. If an antibiotic is prescribed, complete the plan unless the prescriber changes it because of a reaction.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly increasing throat or neck swelling, confusion, severe weakness, or signs of a serious allergy such as facial swelling or wheezing. Contact a clinician promptly for worsening symptoms, persistent high fever, dehydration, or a spreading rash after treatment.

Ask whether the tonsillitis appears bacterial, whether testing is needed, why ceftriaxone is being considered, what alternatives exist, and which symptoms should prompt urgent review.