Background Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat many significant infections due to its high antibacterial potential, a broad spectrum of activity, and low toxicity. These antibiotics are prescribed for various infections every day, especially in developing countries. The difference in the price of generic and brand-name ceftriaxone impressed that brand-name drug has better quality than generic. This study aimed to compare brand-name ceftriaxone's quality over generics that have a notable price difference. Methods: We presumed all ceftriaxone injections had a similar quality. Escherichia coli ATCC® 25922 with MIC of 0.03-0.12 ug/ml against ceftriaxone was used as the evaluation standard. Using Mueller Hinton agar with serial ceftriaxone concentration double diluted from 0.48 until 0.0075 ug/ml. There were three groups of ceftriaxone, brand-name, generic name, and control (SIGMA Aldrich). A drop of suspension of Escherichia coli ATCC-25922 in 20 µl of 104CFU was applied on the surface medium. After incubation at 37°C overnight, the MIC of the three groups was noted. MIC, as shown in the concentration of 0.03-0.12 ug/ml, was confirmed as good quality ceftriaxone. Results A total of 11 brand names and 14 generic ceftriaxone injections shared identical MIC at 0.06 µg/ml. Brand-name ceftriaxone overpriced generic with average price 234,400 ($16,32) and 16,686 ($1,16) respectively. Conclusion: While being sold at a higher price, brand-name ceftriaxone has equivalent in vitro potency to generic.

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