[Evaluation and perspectives of a new cephalosporin: ceftriaxone]

Following a brief review of the main bacteriological and pharmacokinetic properties of ceftriaxone, the authors present a therapeutic evaluation of this new cephalosporin antibiotic. The effects of ceftriaxone in severe infections, such as septicaemia, bacterial meningitis, urinary tract infections, typhoid, bone infections and sexually transmitted diseases, are described on the basis of recent publications. Mention is also made of the adverse reactions to, and benign side-effects of the drug. Finally, the advantages of ceftriaxone in the treatment of some infections are envisaged: the single daily dose and short therapeutic courses may modify therapeutic habits and exert a beneficial effect on costs in some cases.