The Use of Bacteriostatic Water

Bacteriostatic water is commonly used for peptide reconstitution purposes, in order to dilute or dissolve substances such as reconstituting powdered substances. Bacteriostatic water is sterile water that contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol in order to stop the growth of any potential bacteria that could contaminate the sterile bacteriostatic water. Due to the antibacterial properties of the benzyl alcohol, the bottle can be drawn from multiple times through the use of a sterile needle. The water is considered “static” rather due to the addition of the benzyl alcohol which leads to stability of the solution and unchanging bacteria content. While bacteriostatic water is free of bacteria, it is considered different from normal sterile water since sterile, purified water has absolutely no additives in its composition.

Bacteriostatic water can be used for injections in three different ways, intravenously, intramuscularly, and subcutaneously. The injection method is different based on which substance the bacteriostatic water is being mixed with. Using bacteriostatic water is often viewed as more beneficial than simply using an antibacterial agent. The addition of benzyl alcohol doesn’t just kill bacteria, it stops any growth of bacteria in the water. That being said, benzyl alcohol reacts better with more medications, while general antibacterial agents have been shown to cause negative side effects and adverse reactions in many substances and medications (” https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-bacteriostatic-water-definition-uses.html).

When Bacteriostatic Water Should Not be Used?

There are situations where the use of bacteriostatic water is not beneficial due to potential levels of toxicity caused by the benzyl alcohol addition. The most notable group that should not be administered bacteriostatic water is newborn babies under four weeks old.

Various other injections should avoid the use of bacteriostatic water. For example, bacteriostatic water should never be used to replace any water that was lost through sweating or urine, nor should it be used when administering epidurals or any other forms of spinal anesthesia.

When bacteriostatic water is being injected by itself and not being used to dilute a substance it must be made isotonic before injection in order to avoid a condition referred to as hemolysis. Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells rupture due to an imbalance in the concentration gradient. This indicates that there is too much water that has been allowed to travel into the red blood cell in an effort to stabilize the concentration gradient.

In cases of pregnancy, pregnant subjects should take caution while using bacteriostatic water in any form due to the lack of animal focused research studies regarding how the benzyl alcohol may or may not have negative effects on the fetus or the reproductive system. Pregnant subjects should only use bacteriostatic water in cases where it is extremely necessary. The same guidelines should be followed when administering bacteriostatic water in a pediatric setting. As it was mentioned above, benzyl alcohol negatively affects newborns, but there is lack of research on how it could be potentially toxic in pediatric patients (” https://www.drugs.com/pro/bacteriostatic-water-for-injection.html”).

For Lab Use Only

This information is for educational purposes and does not qualify as medical advice. The products described here are for research purposes only.

Bacteriostatic Water is sold for laboratory research use only. Terms of sale apply. Not for human consumption, nor medical, veterinary, or household uses. Please familiarize yourself with our Terms & Conditions prior to ordering.

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