The cephalosporins of the third generation are potent antibiotic substances in the treatment of life-threatening infections. In the last few years, however, an increase in resistance, especially among Enterobacteriaceae, has been reported, resulting from a continuous spread of broad-spectrum ß-lactamases. Therefore a combination of a cephalosporin and a ß-lactamase inhibitor is used in order to reactivate the antibiotic and to prevent the emergence of resistant bacteria. There are various studies in vivo and in animal models that have proved efficacy of these combinations. However there are no studies that comment on ceftrixaone + sulbactum versus ceftriaxone + tazobactum.

Ceftriaxone has been found to be better in patients with complicated and uncomplicated upper UTI. Once-daily injection of ceftriaxone in children is also an attractive advantage of the drug when compared to twice-daily cefotaxime. (Ref: J Chemother. 1996 Feb;8(1):59-62.)

ceftriaxone and cefotaxime provide effective prophylaxis for abdominal surgeries, but that cefotaxime does not provide adequate coverage for appendectomy without the addition of metronidazole. Overall, ceftriaxone was more effective, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, and has a longer half-life and no active metabolites. (ref: Am J Surg January 2002;185:45-9.)

Ceftriaxone and cefotaxime are both effective in the treatment of bacterial meningitis. Ceftriaxone offers an advantage in ease of administration since it is administered as a single daily dose. (ref: Chemotherapy 1998;44:142-147 )

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