Bacteriostatic Water & Sterile Water for Injection
A collection page of Mountainside Medical
About
Bacteriostatic Water Bacteriostatic Water is a type of sterile water specifically formulated for use as a solvent or diluent in medical settings. Its main feature is the addition of a small amount of a bacteriostatic agent—usually 0.9% benzyl alcohol—which inhibits the growth of bacteria in the solution, allowing it to be used multiple times over a short period. Bacteriostatic Water for Injection is sterile, non-pyrogenic water that contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. It is intended only for injection use – specifically as a diluent or solvent to dissolve or dilute injectable medications. The benzyl alcohol acts as a bacteriostatic agent, meaning it inhibits (but does not kill) bacterial growth in the solution. This preservative property allows a single vial to be used for multiple withdrawals (i.e. multi-dose) under sterile technique. (By contrast, plain sterile water for injection contains no preservative and is meant for single-use only.) Uses of Bacteriostatic Water 1. Medication Reconstitution Purpose: Used to dissolve or dilute drugs (such as powders, concentrates, or lyophilized (freeze-dried) medications) for injection. Examples: Many injectable medications, hormones (like human growth hormone or HCG), antibiotics, and vaccines require reconstitution before administration. 2. Parenteral (Injection/Infusion) Administration Route of Administration: Can be used for intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV), or subcutaneous (SubQ) injections, depending on the medication being diluted. Multi-Dose Vial Use: The bacteriostatic agent helps prevent bacterial contamination, making it possible to use the water multiple times from the same vial when drawing up several doses for one or more patients over a short period (typically within 28 days after first use). 3. Flushing Intravenous Catheters Occasionally used for flushing intravenous (IV) lines or catheters to keep them open and free from blockage, but usually only when prescribed by a healthcare provider. Fea