Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, 30 mL is a sterile, non-pyrogenic preparation of water that contains a bacteriostatic agent, typically 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. It’s intended for diluting or dissolving medications for intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV), or subcutaneous injection.
Key Features:
- Volume: 30 mL (multi-dose vial)
- Contents: Sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol (9 mg/mL) as a preservative
- Use: Reconstitution or dilution of medications
- Shelf Life (after opening): Up to 28 days, due to the presence of benzyl alcohol
- Packaging: Usually in a rubber-stoppered vial suitable for multiple entries with a sterile needle
Important Details:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Bacteriostatic Agent | Benzyl alcohol |
| Purpose | Diluting/dissolving injectable medications |
| Not for | Neonatal use (risk of benzyl alcohol toxicity) |
| Route of Administration | Dependent on the medication being reconstituted (IV, IM, SC) |
| Storage | Store at room temperature; avoid freezing |
| Preservative-free version? | Yes – Sterile Water for Injection, used when benzyl alcohol is contraindicated (e.g., for infants or continuous infusions) |
Warnings and Precautions:
- Not for direct injection – must be used with compatible medications.
- Do not use in newborns – benzyl alcohol has been associated with fatal “gasping syndrome” in neonates.
- Discard after 28 days of first use, even if there is still liquid left, to avoid contamination.
Common Uses:
- Reconstitution of lyophilized (powdered) drugs like:
- Peptides
- Hormones (e.g., HCG, HGH)
- Antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone)
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