Bacteriostatic Water | Reviews, Uses, and Safety Concerns

Curious about Bacteriostatic Water?

Then you are in luck! This guide has you covered.

Bacteriostatic water is used by qualified individuals in various settings to dissolve or dilute substances before injection. It is made with organic preservative agents that fight contamination and prolong its viable use.

This article will explain all you need to know about bacteriostatic water, including:

• Composition
• Applications
• and storage requirements

You also will learn how it differs from sterile water and your best online source for bacteriostatic water purchase.

Read on to become an expert in bacteriostatic water and safely enjoy its multiple benefits!

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What is Bacteriostatic Water?

Bacteriostatic water is sterile water that contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol, an organic molecule that prevents bacterial growth [1]. The sterile solution is most often used as a solvent or dilutant for drugs that require aqueous suspension prior to hypodermic injection, including intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal routes [1, 2].

It does not typically kill bacteria, but simply prevents bacterial proliferation and development. Bacteriostatic water designed for injection has an average pH level of 5.7, ranging from 4.5 to 7.0, and is widely manufactured under the generic name Bacteriostatic Water [3].

This substance is commonly used in laboratories, medical facilities, and beyond. Its primary feature is that a vial of bacteriostatic water can be accessed multiple times with a sterile needle without contamination within 28 days of its first use, preventing potential infections. After 28 days of opening, the bacteriostat degrades, risking contamination and subsequent infection when injected. However, unopened vials remain sterile for longer periods, up to several years [4].

The acidity, low toxicity, and lack of odor make benzyl alcohol the preferred bacteriostat compound in bacteriostatic water preparations [3]. However, alternative bacteriostat agents may occasionally be used [5].

It should be noted that bacteriostatic water is not universally recommended for safe use in all populations, including neonates, pregnant women, and subjects on certain medications [3]. Researchers should always read drug labels to determine the indicated use and dosage [4].

Read on to learn the specific applications of bacteriostatic water, where to buy it, and more!

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What is Bacteriostatic Water Used For?

Bacteriostatic water is primarily used to dissolve or dilute medications that require aqueous injection. Its bacteriostatic preservative content (0.9% benzyl alcohol) enables multiple withdrawals from multi-dose vials without risk of contamination.

Withdrawals must be performed with sterile hypodermic needles, and a single vial remains uncontaminated for 28 days after the first use. The use of contaminated solutions in medical applications significantly increases the risk of serious infection, such as MRSA [4].

Bacteriostatic water is the preferred solvent not only for its shelf life, but because it tends to interact minimally with most medications and offers good solubility [6]. It is used in the following manners [4]:

• To dilute a liquid medication to the proper concentration for injection.
• As a solvent added to a powder medication to enable injection.

Available over the counter, the substance is considered safe for use outside of medical settings by qualified researchers for the injection of the following therapeutic substances [7]:

• Peptides
• Research chemicals
• Hormones

Bacteriostatic water is suitable for use in the following injection routes, dependent on the solute, the recipient’s condition, the rate of metabolization, and the optimal rate of diffusion [1]:

• Intravenous injection
• Intramuscular injection
• Subcutaneous injection
• Intradermal injection

Injection methods should always follow manufacturer indications. The use of bacteriostatic water is contraindicated in newborns, as well as in intrathecal (cerebrospinal fluid) injections [2, 8].

Bacteriostatic water should never be injected without a well-mixed solute, as the administration of bacteriostatic water alone can cause a dangerous condition called hemolysis, the destruction of red blood cells [9, 10]. In the rare cases of adverse reactions, such as injection site irritation or infection, venous thrombosis, or fever, discontinue use and consult a doctor immediately [9].

To ensure safety and efficacy, be sure to mix solutions thoroughly and closely follow all manufacturer indications.

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Bacteriostatic Water for Injections

Bacteriostatic water is widely used by qualified individuals for the injection of various therapeutic compounds. Now, we will detail several of these popular applications.

Bacteriostatic Water for Peptides

Research peptides are currently being studied for their potential in a wide range of therapeutic contexts, from addressing symptoms of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, to reproductive health [11]. Peptides are often manufactured and sold in lyophilized powder form to prevent degradation and require solvents for injection [12].

Bacteriostatic water is ideal for peptide reconstitution in most cases, as it offers good solubility, preserves peptide integrity, and combats contamination of stored peptide solutions. Researchers may need to conduct trials to determine which solvent is best for certain peptides, and experts recommend avoiding the use of sodium chloride water due to its propensity to form precipitates [12].

The basic method for using bacteriostatic water for peptide reconstitution is as follows [13]:

1. Assemble the necessary materials, which include lyophilized peptide powder, alcohol swabs, a sterile syringe, and bacteriostatic water.
2. Use an alcohol swab to carefully wipe down the peptide and bacteriostatic water vials.
3. Use the sterile syringe to withdraw about 1mL of bacteriostatic water and transfer it slowly into the peptide vial, allowing the powder and solvent to mix.
4. Do not shake or stir, which can compromise the peptides. When the vial appears transparent, the powder is fully dissolved. Sonication may be used to speed the process in lab settings.
5. If the peptide does not fully dissolve, it may require a stronger solvent.
6. Consult manufacturer indications for exact dosage and storage.

Bacteriostatic Water for HGH (Human Growth Hormone)

Exogenous Human Growth Hormone is often used in hormone replacement therapies with a wide range of effects, from improved physical performance and body composition in adults, to countering the effects of GH deficiency in children and adolescents [14, 15].

HGH is safe for use as prescribed by a doctor. It is available in both liquid and lyophilized powder form. Bacteriostatic water is a popular choice for HGH reconstitution, as it prolongs the usability of HGH solutions and is an effective solvent [16].

The process of HGH reconstitution and subcutaneous injection is similar to the above method. It is best injected in fatty areas such as in the abdomen, waist, or thigh. Storage indications may vary, so consult the product indications, as well [16].

Click here to learn more about Bacteriostatic Water for HGH! 

Bacteriostatic Water for HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

HCG is another hormone that is frequently used in various clinical applications, including increasing fertility in both men and women and as a complement to testosterone replacement therapy in men [17, 18].

Like peptides and HGH, HCG is typically shipped in lyophilized powder form and requires reconstitution before subcutaneous injection. Bacteriostatic water is the most recommended solvent for HCG due to its effectiveness and preservation of reconstituted HCG solutions, which should be refrigerated [19].

The injection method is similar to that detailed above. Handlers should be mindful to maintain sterility and dispose of used needles properly. Researchers should closely follow the established dosing and injection schedules for optimal safety and results [18, 19].

Click here to learn more about Bacteriostatic Water for HCG! 

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Benefits of Bacteriostatic Water

Bacteriostatic water is beneficial for carrying out safe and sterile injections in various settings, from laboratories and medical facilities, to prescribed home use. The primary features of this popular solvent include the following:

1. Bacteriostatic water resists contamination with an organic bacteriostatic preservative (0.9% benzyl alcohol).
2. A vial of bacteriostatic water remains sterile and safe for injection through multiple uses for up to 28 days after opening. It does not even require refrigeration!
3. It is the optimal choice for diluting or dissolving various substances that require aqueous injection.
4. Bacteriostatic water is suitable for use in the following injection routes: intravenous injection, intramuscular injection, subcutaneous injection, and intradermal injection.
5. It is adaptable to a range of conditions, including subject health, optimal metabolization and diffusion rates, and solute type.
6. Common solutes include medications, peptides, hormones, and assorted research chemicals available as lyophilized powders.
7. The pH level and chemical composition of bacteriostatic water enable it to effectively dissolve many types of therapeutic compounds without compromising their potency or effectiveness.
8. Solutes reconstituted with bacteriostatic water can be lyophilized with minimal unwanted residue on the resultant powder.
9. When used to reconstitute lyophilized compounds, bacteriostatic water prolongs the shelf life of the solution.
10. It is easily available from reputable manufacturers.

Some sources even cite bacteriostatic water as an effective cleaning fluid for laboratory and home surfaces or equipment [4].

These are just some of the many reasons bacteriostatic water is the preferred substance for injections in scientific and research settings.

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Where to Buy Bacteriostatic Water Online | 2023 Guide

Qualified handlers can enjoy the many benefits of bacteriostatic water in the laboratory or clinic.

However, as detailed above, the proper use of bacteriostatic water requires a tool kit of other items, including alcohol swabs, sterile needles, and syringes.

Trying to source all of these items from various retailers can be a hassle, especially when it comes to finding reputable manufacturers. With so many inferior production methods, it may be a challenge to find a vendor you can trust.

Don’t let this hold you back from your research! We at Peptides.org have identified a single, trusted retailer for all your supply needs:

BacteriostaticWater.org

This trusted site provides all required research tools in a convenient package, so you can avoid the search, saving time, money, and energy. The BacteriostaticWater.org catalog features two premium research kits.

The starter kit has the following items:

• 3 vials of Bacteriostatic Water (30mL)
• 100 Insulin Syringes (0.5 cc/mL x 29g x ½)
• 200 Alcohol Prep Pads
• 1 Sterile Empty Glass Vial (10mL)
• 10 Large Needles + Syringes Combo (3cc x 21g x 1)

The premium set has:

• 5 vials of Bacteriostatic Water (30mL)
• 200 Insulin Syringes (0.5 cc/mL x 29g x ½)
• 200 Alcohol Prep Pads
• 2 Sterile Empty Glass Vials (10mL)
• 20 Large Needles + Syringes Combo (3cc x 21g x 1)

To make your research quicker and easier, you can’t go wrong with this trusted supplier. With one of these quality research kits, you will have all you need.

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Bacteriostatic Water vs. Sterile Water

Bacteriostatic water and sterile water are both sterile solutions that are commonly used as solvents for the injection of medications and other therapeutic compounds. While they share many similarities, they also differ in several important respects. Here, we will break down their commonalities, differences, and, most importantly, why they are not always interchangeable [5].

What is sterile water?

Sterile water is purified and distilled to reach a pH level between 5.0 and 7.0. It does not contain antimicrobial agents and its various formulations are used in a range of medical contexts, including injections, irrigation, and dilution. This solvent is typically available in single-use containers [5].

What are the similarities between bacteriostatic water and sterile water?

Bacteriostatic water and sterile water share these features [5]:

1. Both are sterile solutions used in medical settings.
2. They are both used as solvents or dilutants of therapeutic compounds that require aqueous injection.
3. Their solute categories overlap, including medications, peptides, and hormones. The latter two types are often reconstituted from lyophilized powder form.
4. Both can be used in the following injection routes: intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular.
5. Neither should be injected without a solute, as this can cause hemolysis.
6. They are both contraindicated for use in spinal injections.
7. Both are classed as pharmaceutical grade in accordance with US Pharmacopeia (USP) standards.

What are the differences between bacteriostatic water and sterile water?

The primary differences are as follows [5]:

1. They have different pH levels and compositions. While bacteriostatic water is made with 0.9% benzyl alcohol and has a pH of 4.5-7, sterile water has no additives and a pH level of 5.0-7.0.
2. Sterile water becomes contaminated with one use, while bacteriostatic water is suitable for multiple uses due to its preservative content. As such, the former is packaged in single-dose vials, while the latter is available in multi-dose formulations.
3. Solutions made with bacteriostatic water have longer viability due to the preservative content.
4. Their indications vary per FDA regulations regarding specific drugs. Some substances can have dangerous side effects if used with the wrong solvent, so they are not universally interchangeable.
5. Bacteriostatic water is not suitable for newborns or recipients that are allergic to benzyl alcohol.
6. Sterile water is used for irrigation, while bacteriostatic water is not.
7. Bacteriostatic water is much easier to manufacture and more widely available.
8. Bacteriostatic water is typically a more efficient solvent or dilutant due to its benzyl alcohol content.

Overall, bacteriostatic water is a more effective and beneficial option. It is less prone to contamination, lasts longer, and is more suitable for injection purposes [6].

Looking to learn more about Bacteriostatic Water vs. Sterile Water? Just click here.

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Does Bacteriostatic Water Need to Be Refrigerated?

No, bacteriostatic water does not need to be refrigerated. Because of its preservative content, it can remain sterile for up to 28 days after the initial use. Unused containers can remain sterile for up to several years. Keep in mind that these time frames apply to bacteriostatic water that has not come into contact with contaminated items.

Whether opened or not, bacteriostatic water is best stored in the following conditions [3, [4]:

• It is best kept in a location that is 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. So, in fact, refrigeration is not recommended.
• Store bacteriostatic water in a dark area that is out of direct sunlight to prevent premature degradation. A cabinet is best.
• Do not stack other items on top of bacteriostatic water containers, as this could damage the vials and compromise potency.

Keep in mind that storage indications may vary when it is used to reconstitute other substances such as hormones or medications [16]. Consult relevant product information for proper storage in these cases. Do not use bacteriostatic water past the expiration date or recommended window.

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How to Make Bacteriostatic Water

Medical professionals strongly advise against making bacteriostatic water outside of a qualified setting. Homemade bacteriostatic water is easily susceptible to biological contaminants such as bacteria and fungi. Thus, the attempt to produce your own bacteriostatic water could result in serious infections with injection. Everyday contaminants include MRSA, which can cause deadly staph infections [4].

Instead, purchase bacteriostatic water from trusted manufacturers who employ the necessary measures to maintain sterility and safety. Otherwise, you put your research subjects’ health at risk.

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Bacteriostatic Water Review | Overall

Bacteriostatic water is a useful tool for research and medical applications. Its organic preservative content fights contamination and makes it an ideal solvent or dilutant for various therapeutic substances that require aqueous suspension for injection.

Researchers around the world employ bacteriostatic water for the injection of medications, therapeutic peptides, and hormones. Bacteriostatic water solutions are safer and last longer than those made with common alternative solvents, such as sterile water. The bacteriostatic solvent is a must-have if you are handling materials for injection.

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