Bacteriostatic WaterActive ingredient: sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcoholAlternative names: Bacteriostatic Water, Sterile Water, Water for Injection.While water can harbor bacteria, bacteriostatic water prevents bacterial reproduction rather than killing it. Effects of Bacteriostatic Water:
Bacteriostatic water is designed to inhibit the growth of various bacteria. It consists of sterile, filtered water with all bacteria eliminated, combined with 0.9% benzyl alcohol which stops any potential contaminating bacteria from multiplying. This ensures the water remains 'static' or largely unchanged in its bacterial composition.
Bacteriostatic water is utilized for diluting or dissolving medications intended for patient injections. Unlike sterile water, which is simply filtered and purified without any additives and is typically designated for single-use, bacteriostatic water can be reused.
One might wonder why bacteriostatic water doesn't utilize an agent that annihilates bacteria. While it lacks a direct antibacterial agent that actively eradicates bacteria, it simply inhibits bacterial growth in the water. Antibacterial agents can sometimes induce adverse reactions with medications, whereas benzyl alcohol remains inert. As a result, bacteriostatic water can accommodate a wider variety of drug dilutions or injections without adverse interactions with antibacterial additives.
Both sterile and bacteriostatic water are free from bacteria; however, after their initial use (typically from a syringe penetration), they may become contaminated. This is why sterile water is restricted to a single use. The advantage of bacteriostatic water is that even if bacteria were to penetrate it, they cannot grow or reproduce, thus preventing it from becoming an infectious source and allowing for multiple uses.
Most bacteriostatic water manufacturers advise discarding any unused water after 28 days to ensure that the benzyl alcohol maintains its efficacy in preventing bacterial growth over that period.
In some cases, bacteriostatic water may be formulated to hinder bacterial growth using a saline solution instead of benzyl alcohol, depending on its intended application.
Possible side effects: feverish reactions, local soreness, abscess formation, tissue death or infection at the injection site, venous thrombosis, or phlebitis extending from the injection area along with extravasation.
Usage instructions:
Bacteriostatic water can be administered through three primary methods:
Each administration method is selected based on the specific medication and the optimal route for its effectiveness, as determined by a healthcare professional.
Intravenous injection, which involves accessing a vein with a needle.
Intramuscular injection, where a needle penetrates a muscle.
Subcutaneous injection, meaning underneath the skin, with the prefix denoting beneath, and relating to the skin.
