Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Ceftriaxone Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Ceftriaxone 250mg IM Injection (generic) | $10 – $25 | $3 – $10 |
| Ceftriaxone 1g IV/IM (generic) | $15 – $40 | $5 – $15 |
| Ceftriaxone 2g IV (generic) | $20 – $50 | $8 – $20 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Tier 1-2 generic — injectable third-generation cephalosporin; used in hospitals and clinics
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
A ceftriaxone injection costs $10 to $50 for the drug itself without insurance, but the total cost including clinic or ER administration fees may be $100 to $500 or more.
Ceftriaxone is used for gonorrhea, meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, Lyme disease, and serious bacterial infections. A single intramuscular injection can treat uncomplicated gonorrhea.
Ceftriaxone is not well absorbed orally and must be given by injection (IM or IV). Its long half-life allows once-daily dosing, and a single shot can treat some infections completely.