What does bacteriostatic water do?

Bacteriostatic Water (bacteriostatic water for injection) is sterile water containing 0.9\% benzyl alcohol that is used to dilute or dissolve medications; the container can be reentered multiple times (usually by a sterile needle) and the benzyl alcohol suppresses or stops the growth of most potentially contaminating …

What is the difference between bacteriostatic water and sterile?

Sterile water is water that doesn’t have any microorganisms, also known as ‘microbes’, in it. Bacteriostatic water is sterile water that contains a bacteriostat, a chemical that prevents the growth of bacteria in the vial. The bacteriostat used is benzyl alcohol.

Should bacteriostatic water be refrigerated after opening?

If your vial has been opened, you should make sure to use the water within a month. Keep your unused bacteriostatic water in the container it arrives in. Store the container in a dark place with a residual, resting room temperature that doesn’t exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit and doesn’t drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is it safe to inject bacteriostatic water?

Sometimes using bacteriostatic water can be harmful. If you inject bacteriostatic water that is not mixed with a compound, it may cause some blood cells to burst, a condition known as hemolysis (‘hemo-‘ means blood, and ‘lysis’ is bursting or splitting).

Can bacteria grow in bacteriostatic water?

Bacteriostatic water (BW) has a pH of about 5.7. The container can be re-entered multiple times (usually by a sterile needle) and the benzyl alcohol is added to ensure that bacteria does not grow in the water as diluting medications with tainted water can have some severe consequences.

How long does HGH last once mixed with bacteriostatic water?

You can store it in a refrigerator for up to 28 days after it has been mixed.

What is the shelf life of bacteriostatic water?

In addition, bacteriostatic water has a longer shelf life than other methods of medication dilution. Once the seal is broken on the bacteriostatic water, it needs to be used within 28 days. Because it is reusable and not a single-use container, it will most often be used up within that time frame.

Do you have to have a prescription for bacteriostatic water?

Bacteriostatic Water is a prescription medicine used to dilute or dissolve medications. Bacteriostatic Water may be used alone or with other medications. Bacteriostatic Water belongs to a class of drugs called Sterile Irrigating Solutions.

Is it OK to use expired bacteriostatic water?

Bacteriostatic water gets its name because of the addition of benzyl alcohol, which stops the growth of bacteria. It does not kill bacteria outright. When the vial is opened the water should be used within 28 days. After this time it is best to discard it.

Is bacteriostatic water safe to inject?

Do not use Bacteriostatic Water (bacteriostatic water (bacteriostatic water for injection) for injection) for Injection, USP for intravenous injection unless the osmolar concentration of additives results in an approximate isotonic admixture.

What is bacteriostatic water and how does it work?

To put it simply, bacteriostatic water inhibits bacteria growth. It’s made of filtered, sterile water and 0.9\% benzyl alcohol. This prevents bacteria from growing in the water, making it “static” as the name suggests. The bacteria content of the water will not change as long as it is properly maintained and handled.

What is the difference between bacteriostatic water and benzyl alcohol?

It’s true, bacteriostatic water doesn’t contain an anti-bacterial agent like some other fluids for injection, so it doesn’t kill bacteria off – it just prevents bacteria from growing in the water. But anti-bacterial agents can have adverse reactions to medications, while benzyl alcohol doesn’t.

Is bacteriostatic water safe for newborns?

Newborns, or neonatal babies, shouldn’t be treated with medicine mixed with 0.9\% benzyl alcohol bacteriostatic water. The benzyl alcohol can cause changes in blood pressure or even be toxic to a baby so young.

How do you inject bacteriostatic water?

Bacteriostatic water can be injected in three main ways: Intravenous injection is performed by accessing a vein with a needle. Intramuscular injection accesses a muscle with a needle. Subcutaneous injection means under the skin, with the root sub- meaning beneath, and cutaneous pertaining to the skin.