A study on ceftriaxone in the perinatal period

Ceftriaxone (CTRX), a new cephem antibiotic with high activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, was investigated pharmacokinetically in 30 mothers in the perinatal period. The obtained results are summarized below. 1. The maximum CTRX level in the maternal serum was 135 micrograms/ml between 20 and 25 minutes after an intravenous administration of 1 g of CTRX. 2. The transfer of CTRX into the umbilical cord serum and the amniotic fluid was very good. CTRX levels in these fluids were about 20% and 10% of the maternal serum level, respectively. 3. No side effect was observed in mothers or neonates. 4. CTRX is a useful antibiotic for perinatal infections.