Introduction to Hospira Bacteriostatic Water
Hospira Bacteriostatic Water 10 ml is a sterile, multi-dose solution used as a diluent for reconstituting or mixing medications. Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical standards, it provides healthcare professionals and patients with a reliable medium to prepare injectable drugs safely. Unlike sterile water, this solution includes a preservative that helps extend its usability across multiple doses, making it a practical choice in both hospitals and home settings.
What is Bacteriostatic Water?
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water for injection that contains a very small concentration of benzyl alcohol, typically 0.9%. This preservative prevents bacterial growth within the vial, enabling multiple withdrawals with reduced risk of contamination.
In contrast, sterile water for injection has no preservative and is intended for single-use applications. The presence of benzyl alcohol makes bacteriostatic water suitable for preparing injections over several days, provided it is handled properly and within expiry limits.
Features of Hospira Bacteriostatic Water 10 ml
Hospira’s 10 ml vial is one of the most widely used forms of bacteriostatic water. Its key features include:
Multi-dose vial design – allows several withdrawals without contamination when used with sterile technique.
Benzyl alcohol preservative (0.9%) – inhibits bacterial growth.
USP-grade quality – manufactured to meet United States Pharmacopeia standards for purity and safety.
Versatility – compatible with many injectable drugs requiring reconstitution or dilution.
The 10 ml format offers a balance between convenience and practicality, minimizing waste while providing enough solution for common medical applications.
Common Uses of Hospira Bacteriostatic Water
Hospira Bacteriostatic Water is primarily used as a diluent in healthcare and pharmaceutical settings. Its common applications include:
Medication reconstitution: Many medications, such as peptides, antibiotics, and hormones, are stored in powder form. Before injection, they must be dissolved with a sterile solution, and bacteriostatic water is a preferred choice.
Injection preparation: It is used to dilute concentrated drugs to achieve accurate dosages for safe administration.
Compounding pharmacy practices: Pharmacies that prepare personalized medications often rely on bacteriostatic water when formulating injectables.
For example, growth hormone therapy frequently involves reconstituting lyophilized (freeze-dried) vials with bacteriostatic water to prepare them for injection over multiple doses. This helps reduce waste and ensures medication stability.
Safety Considerations and Warnings
While Hospira Bacteriostatic Water is safe when used as intended, important safety precautions must be observed:
Not for direct intravenous injection: It should never be injected alone into the bloodstream. Its purpose is strictly as a diluent.
Benzyl alcohol warning: Benzyl alcohol can be toxic for newborns and premature infants, linked to a rare but serious condition known as “gasping syndrome.” For this reason, bacteriostatic water should not be used in infants.
Use under medical guidance: Always follow healthcare provider instructions for dosage, mixing, and storage.
Avoid contamination: Once opened, the vial should be handled with sterile syringes and stored properly to maintain its integrity.
Hospira provides clear labeling and product guidelines to ensure safe handling. Patients using it outside a clinical setting should receive proper training from a licensed professional.
How to Store Hospira Bacteriostatic Water 10 ml
Proper storage ensures the solution remains effective and uncontaminated:
Store at controlled room temperature (20°C–25°C or 68°F–77°F).
Keep the vial sealed tightly when not in use.
Discard if the solution becomes cloudy, discolored, or if particles are visible.
Respect the expiration date and follow disposal instructions.
Once opened, the vial should generally be used within 28 days unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider.
Difference Between Sterile Water and Bacteriostatic Water
Both sterile water and bacteriostatic water are used as diluents, but their properties differ:
Sterile water for injection: Single-use, preservative-free, intended for immediate administration or single reconstitution.
Bacteriostatic water for injection: Contains benzyl alcohol, designed for multi-use, prevents bacterial growth, and is ideal for medications requiring multiple doses.
Healthcare providers choose between the two based on the medication being prepared and the patient population being treated. For infants and certain sensitive therapies, sterile water is preferred due to the absence of preservatives.
Where to Buy Hospira Bacteriostatic Water
Hospira Bacteriostatic Water 10 ml is available through:
Licensed pharmacies
Authorized medical distributors
Reputable online suppliers specializing in medical products
When purchasing online, ensure the source is accredited and compliant with pharmaceutical regulations. Avoid unverified sellers, as counterfeit or improperly stored products may pose health risks.
FAQs
1. What is Hospira Bacteriostatic Water used for?
It is used to dilute or reconstitute injectable medications for safe administration.
2. Can Hospira Bacteriostatic Water be injected directly?
No, it should never be injected alone. It is strictly a diluent.
3. How long can a vial be used after opening?
Typically up to 28 days, if stored properly and not contaminated.
4. Is it safe for infants?
No, due to the presence of benzyl alcohol, it is not recommended for newborns or premature infants.
5. What is the difference between bacteriostatic and sterile water?
Bacteriostatic water contains a preservative (benzyl alcohol) for multi-use, while sterile water does not and is single-use.
6. Can I buy Hospira Bacteriostatic Water without a prescription?
In most regions, it is regulated and available only through pharmacies or medical suppliers.
7. What should I do if the solution looks cloudy?
Do not use it. Discard immediately and replace with a new vial.
