Hepato-biliary abnormalities secondary to ceftriaxone use: a case report

Ceftriaxone was approved in 1997 for the treatment of otitis media despite previous studies that documented an association of ceftriaxone with elevated hepato-biliary enzymes and transient biliary stasis. The case cited here highlights the need for continued awareness education for physicians who may use ceftriaxone to treat common illnesses such as acute exudative tonsillitis and otitis media in children. Specifically, for children with a family history of gallbladder, biliary tract, liver or pancreas dysfunction, ceftriaxone may not be the drug of choice since the likelihood of complications is increased in this population. Additionally, ceftriaxone may cause problems in either adults or children with preexisting disease, who may not be well-nourished, or who may be dehydrated.