GuidelinesIMCI
Ceftriaxone (Age 2 months up to 5 years)
IMCI - Child (Age 2 months up to 5 years)
Explain to the caregiver why the medicine is given
Determine the dose appropriate for the child’s weight (or age)
Measure the dose accurately
Give Ceftriaxone IM
- Wherever possible use the weight to calculate the dose.
- Dilute 250 mg vial with 1 ml of sterile water, or 500 mg with 2 ml sterile water (250 mg per ml)
- Give the injection in the upper thigh, not the buttocks
- IF REFERRAL IS NOT POSSIBLE OR DELAYED, repeat the ceftriaxone injection every 24 hours
| Weight | Age | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 - < 5.5 kg | 1 up to 3 months | 312 mg (1.25 ml) |
| 5.5 - < 7 kg | 3 up to 6 months | 440 mg (1.75 ml) |
| 7 - < 9 kg | 6 up to 12 months | 625 mg (2.5 ml) |
| 9 - < 11 kg | 12 up to 18 months | 750 mg (3 ml) |
| 11 - < 14 kg | 18 months up to 3 years | 810 mg (3.25 ml) |
| 14 - < 17.5 kg | 3 up to 5 years |
1 g (4 ml)* |
| ≥17.5 kg | 5 years and older |
1.5 g (5.5 ml)** |
*Give 2ml in each thigh
**For children weighing more than 17.5 kg, dilute 1g in 3.5 ml sterile water and give 5.5 ml IM
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness 2022; Child (Age 2 months up to 5 years); Treatments in Clinic Only; Ceftriaxone
Last checked for updates: June 2023