Last Updated August 27, 2023

 August 27, 2023

Curious about where to buy Bacteriostatic Water Online?

Then keep reading, as we detail exactly where to buy it plus all major benefits of this solution.

Bacteriostatic water is an essential tool for members of the scientific research community, especially those interested in therapeutic peptides and hormones.

Comprised of sterile water and an organic preservative, the solution is intended as a solvent or diluting agent to administer safe injections. Its bacteriostat agent fights contamination, reducing the risk of infection and extending the viability of reconstituted solutions.

This expert guide will detail all you need to learn about bacteriostatic water, such as:

  • Composition
  • Applications
  • Storage requirements

Read on to safely and effectively enhance your research!

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What is Bacteriostatic Water?

Bacteriostatic water is composed of sterile water and benzyl alcohol, an organically-derived preservative. The solution’s 0.9% benzyl alcohol content prevents the growth of microbes to resist contamination [1].

It is commonly applied as a solute or dilutant to therapeutic substances in powder form, enabling aqueous injection. Its pH level rests between 4-5 and 7, averaging at a pH level of 5.7, which makes it an ideal solvent for most parenteral injection routes, namely subcutaneous, intravenous, and intramuscular [1, 2].

Bacteriostatic water is the preferred solvent among most qualified researchers, both easier to produce and more readily available than common alternatives [3].

A major benefit of bacteriostatic water is its resistance to contamination for up to four weeks (28 days) after its primary use. Thus, single vials can provide multiple doses, and solutions containing the solvent have extended shelf lives with proper storage. Unopened containers remain sterile for up to several years [4].

It is a go-to choice not only due to the convenience and safety afforded by its preservative content, but because it has low toxicity and mixes favorably with a wide range of compounds [3, 5]. Common solutes include medications, research peptides, and hormones. Specialists in the latter two areas, in particular, tend to recommend bacteriostatic water as the best solvent. It is ideally suited to safety and research purposes and does not interfere with the integrity of most therapeutic compounds [6, 7].

Bacteriostatic water is cautioned for use in some cases, such as in newborns, subjects on certain medications, or those who are allergic to benzyl alcohol [3, 5]. It is not to be injected without a solute mixed in, as this risks the development of hemolysis. Additionally, experts advise against its use for cerebrospinal fluid injections [8, 9].


Bacteriostatic Water


What is Bacteriostatic Water Used For?

The main applications of bacteriostatic water are as follows:

  1. It is a solvent that is used to reconstitute lyophilized compounds before injection. These include medications, hormones, and peptides [1, 7, 10].
  2. It is also mixed with liquid medications to dilute them to the proper concentration before injection [1].
  3. Because of its preservative content (0.9% benzyl alcohol), vials of bacteriostatic water can be used to source multiple doses without contamination for up to 28 days, reducing the incidence of infection. This extends the shelf life of properly stored solutions made with bacteriostatic water [4].
  4. The solvent does not interfere with most medications and therapeutic substances while providing good solubility [6].
  5. Depending on the solute, subject needs, and ideal rate of metabolization, bacteriostatic water is suitable for the following injection routes: subcutaneous, intravenous, and intramuscular [1].

The proper procedure for reconstituting peptides for injection is as follows [11]:

  1. Gather the needed materials, including lyophilized peptide powder, bacteriostatic water, a sterile syringe, and alcohol swabs.
  2. Wipe down the vials with the alcohol swabs to disinfect them.
  3. Access the bacteriostatic water with the sterile syringe and withdraw approximately 1 mL of the solution.
  4. Transfer it into the peptide vial gradually, allowing the liquid and powder to properly mix.
  5. Avoid shaking and stirring to mix the solution, as this can damage the peptides. The liquid will appear transparent when the peptide is fully dissolved.
  6. If the peptide does not fully dissolve, try a stronger solvent.
  7. For exact dosage, quantities, and storage, closely adhere to the manufacturer's indications.

The reconstitution of lyophilized hormones, such as GH and HCH, follows a similar method [12]. Particular dosage and storage requirements of reconstituted solutions will vary.

Discontinue use if adverse reactions appear. These include infection, blood clots, and fever [9].


Benefits of Bacteriostatic Water

Bacteriostatic water for injection is the go-to solvent among many researchers in the scientific community. Here, we will explore the reasons for its popularity.

The many benefits of bacteriostatic water include the following [4, 11, 12]:

  1. The organic bacteriostat agent (09% benzyl alcohol) in bacteriostatic water prevents bacterial growth to fight contamination.
  2. A single vial of bacteriostatic water is good for multiple doses for 28 days after the initial use, as the preservative content maintains sterility to prevent infection.
  3. Bacteriostatic water does not require refrigeration.
  4. An unopened vial can last for several years without contamination.
  5. It is safely indicated for intravenous injection, subcutaneous injection, and intramuscular injection. This means it is adaptable to different target rates of diffusion and metabolization, as well as subjects with varying conditions.
  6. Bacteriostatic water can be used to perform injections with a wide range of substances.
  7. The chemical structure and pH level allow bacteriostatic water to effectively dissolve many types of medications, peptides, and hormones without compromising their integrity.
  8. Solutions made with bacteriostatic water have prolonged shelf lives.
  9. Bacteriostatic water is easily sourced from trusted manufacturers.
  10. Side effects are rare.
  11. Bacteriostatic water is manufactured according to USP standards.

This is not an exhaustive list of the benefits of bacteriostatic water, the go-to solvent for scientific researchers. To perform sterile, safe, and effective injections, bacteriostatic water is a top choice.

If you are a qualified researcher or laboratory professional, read on to learn where you can buy your own.


Bacteriostatic Water


Where to Buy Bacteriostatic Water Online | 2022 Guide

Now, we will reveal your best online sources for bacteriostatic water.

As detailed above, the proper use of bacteriostatic water requires several complementary items to ensure the safety and effectiveness of injections. While the list of required items may seem overwhelming at first, don’t worry! The Peptides.org team has searched the web and identified a great one-stop shop for bacteriostatic water and related supplies:

BacteriostaticWater.org

This trusted source makes gathering research supplies quicker and easier with its available research kits. Each kit features these key items:

Vials of Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP

Each vial of pharmacological-grade bacteriostatic water is good for multiple doses and remains sterile for up to 28 days after the initial use. When purchased from this reputable source, the safety and potency of this item are guaranteed.

Alcohol Swabs

Specialists unanimously recommend that researchers wipe down all materials with alcohol swabs before the reconstitution process. This decreases the risk of contaminating the solutions, which can lead to infection.

Assorted Sterile Needles and Syringes

Because bacteriostatic water does not kill microbes but simply prevents their growth, the use of sterile needles is required to prevent contamination. Sterile syringes are used to safely withdraw and mix the solvent, as well as to administer injections.

Sterile Empty Glass Vials

Similarly, all mixing containers must be sterile to prevent contamination. Sterile vials are ideal for safely diluting and reconstituting lyophilized powders using bacteriostatic water.

These quality items are available in two convenient kits. The starter kit contains:

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

If you require more materials, try the premium kit, which features:

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

One of these kits is all you need to give your research a boost.

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Bacteriostatic Water vs. Sterile Water

Another solvent that is often used in injections is sterile water. It is water that has undergone a thorough distillation, purification, and disinfection process to be free of contaminants. Unlike bacteriostatic water, sterile water has no added preservatives.

Here, we will examine the similarities and differences between bacteriostatic water and sterile water to help you select the best solvent for your research [5].

Similarities

These are the common traits of bacteriostatic water and sterile water in three key areas—their formulations, uses, and precautions [5]:

Formulations

  • Both are sterile solvents formulated for use in performing injections.
  • Sterile water is present in both, as bacteriostatic water is composed of sterile water with added benzyl alcohol.
  • The solutions have similar acidity levels. The average pH level of sterile water is 5.5, and the average pH level of bacteriostatic water is 5.7.
  • Both substances are produced in regulated settings that meet USP (US Pharmacopeia) protocols and are classed as pharmacological-grade.

Uses

  • Both substances are applied as solvents or dilutants to achieve aqueous suspension of compounds intended for intravenous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections.
  • They are both commonly used with peptides, hormones, and medications as solutes.

Precautions

  • Both can cause hemolysis if injected without a solute.
  • Neither substance is indicated for use in spinal injections, or subjects taking certain medications.

Differences

Now, let’s weigh their differences in these key areas [5]:

Formulations

  • They are chemically distinct, as bacteriostatic water has a 0.9% benzyl alcohol content, while sterile water does not. Thus, sterile water has no bacteriostat agent to fight contamination.
  • Their pH ranges differ. Bacteriostatic water has a pH of 4.5-7, and sterile water has a pH of 5.0-7.0.
  • Sterile water is less readily available and more difficult to produce [13, 14].
  • Bacteriostatic water is considered a more efficient solvent due to its benzyl alcohol content [6].

Uses

  • Sterile water is contaminated after a single use and is available in mono-dose vials. On the contrary, bacteriostatic water remains sterile for weeks after initial use, allowing multiple doses to be drawn from a single vial [4, 5].
  • Bacteriostatic water solutions are safe for use for an extended period of time, while sterile water solutions are to be thrown away with one use [12, 15].

Precautions

  • Subjects that are allergic to benzyl alcohol should not use bacteriostatic water.
  • Some drugs interact differently with each solvent and they are not considered interchangeable.

This close comparison reveals that while these two solvents share some features, the benefits of bacteriostatic water exceed those of sterile water in most contexts.


Bacteriostatic Water


Does Bacteriostatic Water Need to Be Refrigerated?

Bacteriostatic water does not require refrigeration. Its preservative content prevents contamination for approximately 28 days after opening, and sealed vials can be kept in proper storage for several years without going bad.

Here are the recommended storage conditions for bacteriostatic water [3, 4]:

  • Keep both opened and unopened vials at a temperature of 60-80° F.
  • Store the vials in a low-lit area, such as a cabinet, away from sunlight.
  • Do not place items on top of bacteriostatic water vials, as this can rupture them and damage the contents.

Storage conditions are subject to change when bacteriostatic water is mixed with various solutes. Closely follow all manufacturer indications for proper storage.


How to Make Bacteriostatic Water

While it may seem like a simple task to make bacteriostatic water, experts strongly warn against this practice. Attempting to produce bacteriostatic water outside of a regulated setting is likely to lead to contamination and infection. The home, for example, is a highly bioactive environment that is rife with fungi and microorganisms, such as the deadly MRSA bacteria [4].

Instead, it is best practice to source bacteriostatic water for injection from reputable producers who adhere to proper safety measures.

While one should always exercise caution, it is especially important to identify quality sources of materials destined for injection, as contamination could cause serious illness.


Buy Bacteriostatic Water Online | Overall

If you are looking to enhance your scientific research, you are sure to appreciate the addition of bacteriostatic water to your supply kit. The sterile solvent outperforms similar solutions with a longer shelf life, reduced risk of infection with injection, and more efficient solubility.

Qualified researchers can conveniently purchase full supply kits at Bacteriostaticwater.org, the single best source for the research community when it comes to bacteriostatic water and related supplies. The site’s deluxe kits contain all necessary items to safely carry out sterile reconstitutions and injections.

Buy Bacteriostatic Water from our #1 recommended vendor...


References

  1. W. B. What is Bacteriostatic Water? [Internet]. Study.com | Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers. 2022 [cited 2022Aug17]. Available from: https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-bacteriostatic-water-definition-uses.html
  2. Bacteriostatic Water for Injection [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2021 [cited 2022Aug17]. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/pro/bacteriostatic-water-for-injection.html
  3. Jackson S. The complete guide on Bacteriostatic Water [Internet]. MedLab International. MedLab International; 2019 [cited 2022Aug17]. Available from: https://medlabgear.com/blogs/articles/guide-bacteriostatic-water
  4. The uses of bacteriostatic water and where to get it [Internet]. Farris Laboratories, Inc. Farris Laboratories, Inc.; 2021 [cited 2022Aug17]. Available from: https://www.farrislabs.com/blogs/information/the-uses-of-bacteriostatic-water-and-where-to-get-it
  5. Bacteriostatic water vs. Sterile Water: The differences that Can save your life [Internet]. Bacteriostaticwater.com. 2020 [cited 2022Aug17]. Available from: https://www.bacteriostaticwater.com/blogs/news/bacteriostatic-water-vs-sterile-water-the-differences-that-can-save-your-life
  6. Deusmedical. Bacteriostatic water vs. Sterile Water  [Internet]. DeusMedical.com. [cited 2022Aug17]. Available from: https://deusmedical.com/articles/which-one-to-choose-bacteriostatic-water-vs-sterile-water
  7. Peptide Information. Peptide reconstitution [Internet]. Peptide Information. 2019 [cited 2022Aug18]. Available from: https://www.peptidesciences.com/information/peptide-reconstitution/
  8. Bacteriostatic water for injection, USP warnings and precautions [Internet]. bacteriostatic water for injection, USP Warnings and Precautions | Pfizer Medical Information – US. 2022 [cited 2022Aug18]. Available from: https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.com/en-us/node/657396/pi_section/field_spl_warnings
  9. Feasby TE, Hahn AF, Gilbert JJ. Neurotoxicity of bacteriostatic water. N Engl J Med. 1983 Apr 21;308(16):966-7. doi: 10.1056/NEJM198304213081614. PMID: 6687625.
  10. Hawkins M. 3 facts you need to know about bacteriostatic water: Performance forum [Internet]. Performance Forum | Join The Debate. 2019 [cited 2022Aug18]. Available from: https://www.performanceforum.org/3-facts-you-need-to-know-about-bacteriostatic-water/
  11. Rathi KK. How to reconstitute peptides: Complete guide 2022 [Internet]. Muscle and Brawn. 2022 [cited 2022Aug18]. Available from: https://muscleandbrawn.com/peptides/how-to-reconstitute-peptide/
  12. Abernathy DS. How to mix and store HGH: Best water for mixing HGH [Internet]. HRTGuru. 2022 [cited 2022Aug24]. Available from: https://hrtguru.com/water-to-mix-hgh/
  13. Sterile Water For Injection Shortage FAQ [Internet]. ASHP. 2018 [cited 2022Aug23]. Available from: https://www.ashp.org/drug-shortages/shortage-resources/sterile-water-for-injection-faq?loginreturnUrl=SSOCheckOnly#
  14. What is water for injection? [Internet]. Technical Safety Services LLC. 2021 [cited 2022Aug23]. Available from: https://techsafety.com/blog/what-is-water-for-injection
  15. Sterile Water for Injection, USP [Internet]. STERILE WATER (sterile water for injection, USP) | Pfizer Medical Information – US. 2022 [cited 2022Aug23]. Available from: https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.com/en-us/sterile-water

Scientifically Fact Checked by:

Dimitar Marinov, Ph.D.

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