Bacteriostatic Water for Injection Uses, Side Effects

Bacteriostatic Water

Bacteriostatic Water Information

Bacteriostatic Water is a sterile preparation of water for injection supplied in a multiple-dose container. It contains  0.9% (9 mg/mL) of benzyl alcohol added as a bacteriostatic preservative.

Bacteriostatic Water Indications

Bacteriostatic Water  is used for diluting or dissolving drugs for intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular  injection.

This parenteral preparation is indicated only for diluting or dissolving drugs for intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, according to instructions of the manufacturer of the drug to be administered.

Bacteriostatic Water Warnings

Bacteriostatic Water may result in hemolysis without a solute. It has also been associated with toxicity in neonates.

Benzyl alcohol, a preservative in Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP has been associated with toxicity in neonates. Data are unavailable on the toxicity of other preservatives in this age group. Where water is required for preparing or diluting medications for use in neonates, only preservative-free Sterile Water for Injection should be used.

Intravenous administration of Bacteriostatic Water for Injection without a solute may result in hemolysis.

Bacteriostatic Water Uses

This parenteral preparation is indicated only for diluting or dissolving drugs for intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, according to instructions of the manufacturer of the drug to be administered.

Bacteriostatic Water  Overdose

To be used only as a diluent or solvent. Please consult your doctor for over dosage information for Bacteriostatic Water.

Use only as a diluent or solvent. This parenteral preparation is unlikely to pose a threat of fluid overload except possibly in very small infants. In the event these should occur, re-evaluate the patient and institute appropriate corrective measures.

Bacteriostatic Water Side Effects

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.

If an adverse reaction does occur, discontinue the infusion, evaluate the patient, institute appropriate countermeasures, and if possible, retrieve and save the remainder of the unused vehicle for examination.

Although adverse reactions to intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of 0.9% benzyl alcohol are not known to occur in man, experimental studies of small volume parenteral preparations containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol in several species of animals have indicated that an estimated intravenous dose up to 30 mL may be safely given to an adult without toxic effects. Administration of an estimated 9 mL to a 6 kg infant or neonate is potentially capable of producing blood pressure changes.

Bacteriostatic Water Drug Interactions

Some drugs for injection may be incompatible in a given vehicle, or when combined in the same vehicle or in a vehicle containing benzyl alcohol. Consult with pharmacist, if available.

Use aseptic technique for single or multiple entry and withdrawal from all containers.

When diluting or dissolving drugs, mix thoroughly and use promptly.

Do not store reconstituted solutions of drugs for injection unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer of the solute.

Do not use unless the solution is clear and seal intact.

This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.