Bacteriostatic Water for Injection
Bacteriostatic water is used to dilute or dissolve medications intended for aqueous injection.
Bacteriostatic Water for Injection is a sterile, nonpyrogenic water solution used for diluting or reconstituting medications for injection. Let’s delve into the details:
Description:
Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP contains either 0.9% (9 mg/mL) or 1.1% (11 mg/mL) benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic preservative.
It is supplied in a multiple-dose container, allowing repeated withdrawals for drug dilution or dissolution.
The pH of this solution is 5.7 (ranging from 4.5 to 7.0).
The semi-rigid vial is made from a specially formulated polyolefin, ensuring safety and proper volume maintenance without the need for a vapor barrier1.
Clinical Pharmacology:
Water constitutes about 70% of total body weight and plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance.
Bacteriostatic Water, when used solely for diluting or dissolving drugs for parenteral injection, has minimal impact on fluid balance.
Sodium (Na+) is essential for maintaining physiologic equilibrium, and Bacteriostatic Water does not significantly affect this balance except in very small infants1.
Indications and Usage:
Bacteriostatic Water is indicated for diluting or dissolving drugs for intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
However, it should not be used in neonates due to the potential toxicity of benzyl alcohol in this population.
Additionally, it is not recommended for fluid replacement or for epidural or spinal anesthesia procedures1.
In summary, Bacteriostatic Water for Injection serves as a valuable pharmaceutic aid, ensuring the safety and efficacy of injected medications. If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to ask! 😊