Bacteriostatic Water for Injection is sterile, non-pyrogenic water that contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol (9mg/mL) added as a bacteriostatic preservative. This preparation of sterile water and benzyl alcohol (BnOH) allows repeated withdrawals to be made from a single 3mL glass vial. Advisesment that once a vial of bacteriostatic water is open, the preservatives will prolong its life for up to 28 days. After this period, the vial should be discarded.
The difference between bacteriostatic water and sterile water is that other sterile waters for injection do not contain a bacteriostatic agent. As such, they are single-dose vials and should be discarded after a single use.
There are few side effects of Bacteriostatic Water, if any, in adults and if they occur, it they may be related to contamination, particulate matter or the drug that is being dissolved (see below). Reactions which may occur because of this solution, added drugs or the technique of reconstitution or administration include febrile response, local tenderness, abscess, tissue necrosis or infection at the site of injection, venous thrombosis or phlebitis extending from the site of injection and extravasation.
Bacteriostatic Water for Injection is supplied in a multiple-dose 30 mL plastic fliptop vial that is plastic and not pressurized. It is not used for neonatal medications because of possible blood pressure changes and toxicity of benzyl alcohol. If Bacteriostatic Water is injected intravenously without any diluted compound, it may cause some red blood cell lysis because it is not isotonic.
Bacteriostatic Water usually does not interact with other drugs; however, some drugs for injection may be incompatible. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before receiving Bacteriostatic Water. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Our Bacteriostatic Water Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.
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