What is Bacteriostatic Water?
Bacteriostatic water is a sterile solution used for diluting or dissolving medications and is often employed in medical settings for reconstituting drugs, particularly those that are injected. The term "bacteriostatic" refers to the solution's ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria, which is crucial in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of injectable medications.
Key Features of Bacteriostatic Water
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Composition: Bacteriostatic water is composed primarily of distilled water and contains a small amount (usually 0.9%) of a bacteriostatic agent, such as benzyl alcohol. This agent helps to prevent the growth of bacteria in the solution.
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Sterility: It is manufactured and packaged in sterile conditions to ensure it is free from any contaminants that could lead to infection.
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pH Balance: The pH of bacteriostatic water is typically adjusted to be neutral (around 7.0) to ensure compatibility with medications.
Uses of Bacteriostatic Water
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Reconstitution of Medications: Bacteriostatic water is commonly used to dilute or dissolve powdered medications, making them suitable for injection. This is especially important for certain peptides, hormones, and other pharmaceuticals that come in powdered form.
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Diluting Injectable Drugs: It can also be used to dilute concentrated injectable solutions, ensuring accurate dosing.
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Multiple Use: Due to the presence of a bacteriostatic agent, bacteriostatic water can be used multiple times, making it a convenient option for healthcare providers and patients.
Advantages of Bacteriostatic Water
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Prevention of Contamination: The bacteriostatic agent helps prevent microbial growth, which is particularly important for solutions that may be accessed multiple times.
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Long Shelf Life: Bacteriostatic water has a longer shelf life compared to sterile water for injection, which is typically single-use only.
Important Considerations
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Not for All Medications: Bacteriostatic water should not be used with all medications. Some medications are incompatible with benzyl alcohol or may require sterile water for injection instead. Always refer to the medication guidelines or consult a healthcare professional.
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Administration: When using bacteriostatic water for reconstitution or dilution, it is essential to follow aseptic techniques to minimize the risk of contamination during the process.
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Expiration: Bacteriostatic water has an expiration date, and it should be discarded after that date or if it shows any signs of contamination (e.g., cloudiness, particles).
Supplied for Research Purposes Only
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This information and product is provided for research purposes only. We do not provide any advice on the usage of these products as UK Law prevents this. Customers should check the legality of this product in their own country prior to purchase.