Description
Bacteriostatic water is a sterile, nonpyrogenic water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which acts as a preservative to inhibit bacterial growth. It is used as a diluent or solvent to dissolve and dilute medications for intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous injections.
How It Works & Key Guidelines
Because it contains a preservative, bacteriostatic water allows for repeated withdrawals from a single multiple-dose vial (usually 30 mL) without the risk of contaminating the remaining solution.
-
- Lifespan: Once a vial of bacteriostatic water is opened or punctured, it should typically be discarded within 28 days.
- Important Safety Warnings: Do not use bacteriostatic water in newborns (neonates) or premature infants due to the benzyl alcohol preservative, which can cause fatal toxicity in this demographic.
- Sterile Water vs. Bacteriostatic Water: Unlike bacteriostatic water, plain sterile water for injection has no preservatives and is generally packaged in single-use vials that must be discarded immediately after the first puncture
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.