What is Bacteriostatic Water? | The A-Z Guide

Curious of what is Bacteriostatic Water?

Bacteriostatic water is a sterile solvent used to administer injections of various medications and therapeutic compounds, such as hormones and peptides.

The distilled and purified water contains an organic preservative agent that prevents microbial proliferation, thus combating contamination and potential infection. This extends the shelf life of bacteriostatic water and its preparations.

In this guide, we will break down the most important facts about bacteriostatic water, such as:

• Applications
• Chemical composition
• Potential side effects.

Plus, we will talk about the quality of online bacteriostatic water and complementary research materials.

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What is Bacteriostatic Water?

Widely used in medical settings, laboratories, and therapeutic contexts, bacteriostatic water consists of sterile water and an organic bacteriostat called benzyl alcohol. The 0.9% benzyl alcohol content does not kill bacteria but inhibits bacterial growth to prevent contamination [1].

The primary application of bacteriostatic water is to dilute or dissolve medications so that they may be injected. Solutions containing bacteriostatic water are administered via numerous injection routes, namely intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal, and subcutaneous [1, 2].

Bacteriostatic water for injection has an average pH of 5.7 and remains sterile for up to 28 days after initial use. Thus, a single vial can source multiple doses when accessed with a sterile needle. If unopened, bacteriostatic water containers may last for years with correct storage practices [3, 4].

Low toxicity and minimal drug interactions make bacteriostatic water a favorite solvent among medical and research professionals [3]. While benzyl alcohol is the most common preservative, other bacteriostat compounds may sometimes be used [5].

Although largely well tolerated, bacteriostatic water has some notable contraindications, such as administration to newborns and pregnant women, as well as subjects taking certain medications [3]. As such, handlers are advised to seek medical guidance prior to use, and always closely follow product indications regarding dosage, concentration, and frequency of injection [4].

Both opened and unopened vials of bacteriostatic water should be stored accordingly [3, 4]:

• Bacteriostatic water should be kept at a temperature of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that it is not necessary to refrigerate it.
• It is best stored in a dark area and away from sunlight, such as in a cabinet.
• Placing items on top of bacteriostatic water vials should be avoided. The weight could crack or weaken the vials and degrade the contents.

Storage indications may change when bacteriostatic water is mixed with other substances, such as peptides and hormones. Handlers are therefore advised to follow relevant indications and never inject substances that are expired.

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What is Bacteriostatic Water Used For?

The primary use of bacteriostatic water is to dilute or dissolve medications before injection. Its 0.9% benzyl alcohol content preserves it from microbial contamination, allowing storage for up to 28 days and multiple dose withdrawals without the risk of infection. Because it is bacteriostatic and not antibacterial, benzyl alcohol does not kill bacteria but rather stops its growth.

So, to maintain sterility, bacteriostatic water should not come into contact with contaminated surfaces or needles [4].

Bacteriostatic water has minimal interaction with many medications, making it ideal for use in therapeutic contexts, primarily [6]:

• To reconstitute a powder medication for injection; and,
• As a dilutant added to liquid medications to reach the desired concentration before injection.

Widely available over the counter, bacteriostatic water is intended for use by qualified individuals for the reconstitution of various therapeutic compounds, such as [7]:

Peptides

Under review for therapeutic potential in a range of contexts, research peptides are typically available as lyophilized powders to maintain purity. Bacteriostatic water is considered the best solvent for the reconstitution of peptides, and it proffers ideal solubility without compromising peptide integrity [8, 9].

Hormones

The injection of exogenous hormones has various therapeutic effects. Some commonly injected hormones are HGH and HCG, whose respective uses include enhanced physical performance and sexual health [10, 11]. Bacteriostatic water is widely used to reconstitute and safely inject these lyophilized powder hormones [12, 13].

Injection routes are dependent on various factors, such as the solute, recipient, and desired rates of diffusion. Typical routes for bacteriostatic water preparations include [1]:

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

Bacteriostatic water injections are contraindicated in neonates and intrathecal contexts [2, 14]. More detail on precautions and side effects will be given below.

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Benefits of Bacteriostatic Water

Bacteriostatic water is commonly used as a sterile solvent or dilutant in the safe injection of medications and other substances.

Let’s review the primary benefits of bacteriostatic water:

1. The bacteriostatic preservative content (0.9% benzyl alcohol) of bacteriostatic water combats microbial contamination.
2. Bacteriostatic water containers remain sterile through repeated use for approximately 28 days after the initial use. This increases the safety and longevity of the solvent and its preparations.
3. Bacteriostatic water alone does not require refrigeration.
4. It provides good solubility for a range of substances to enable proper injection.
5. Bacteriostatic water is safely indicated for a range of injection routes.
6. The chemical composition and pH level of bacteriostatic water allow it to dissolve numerous types of therapeutic substances without diminishing potency or benefits.
7. It is widely available from trusted providers.
8. Bacteriostatic water can even be used to clean surfaces and tools [4].

This is not an exhaustive list of the many benefits of bacteriostatic water, the preferred solvent for many. Now, let’s take a look at some of the possible side effects to keep in mind for the safe use of bacteriostatic water.

Side Effects of Bacteriostatic Water

While it is largely considered safe, there are a few contraindications, precautions, and possible side effects of bacteriostatic water. These include the following:

• If injected alone, bacteriostatic water can damage the red blood cells, a condition known as hemolysis [15, 16]. For this reason, it should always be mixed with a solute before injection.
• Adverse reactions, though rare, can occur and require immediate medical attention. These include the development of irritation, abscesses, or infection at the site of injection, as well as fever and blood clots [15].
• Bacteriostatic water can be toxic for newborns and fetuses [2].
• It may have neurotoxic effects when injected into the cerebrospinal fluid [14].
• It should be avoided in individuals who are allergic to benzyl alcohol.
• Lastly, bacteriostatic water may be contraindicated for individuals on certain medications.

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Where to Buy Bacteriostatic Water Online | 2023 Guide

If you are ready to enjoy the many benefits of bacteriostatic water but are unsure of where to begin, don’t worry! We have you covered.

To get started, it is necessary to have the right tools for the safe use of bacteriostatic water. These include alcohol swabs, sterile needles, and quality bacteriostatic water. Attempting to source your toolkit from various vendors is a waste of time, energy, and money! Instead, your best bet is a single reputable retailer.

The Peptides.org team has identified your best choice for easy, online purchase of bacteriostatic water and supplies:

BacteriostaticWater.org

This amazing site offers all the tools you need in convenient packages, saving you the hassle of searching the internet. The bacteriostaticwater.org selection includes two curated kits that have all you need.

Check out the starter kit:

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

If you want more, go for the premium set, which has:

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

This is truly the best source for all your research material needs when it comes to bacteriostatic water.

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Bacteriostatic Water vs. Sterile Water

Bacteriostatic water overlaps with sterile water in many ways. However, there are some important points of difference. Let’s explore their commonalities and differences so that you can decide which solvent is best for your needs.

First, what is sterile water?

Sterile water is used in various medical applications, including dilution, irrigation, and injections. With a pH of 5.0-7.0, it is free of bacteriostatic agents and composed simply of purified and distilled water. It is sold in single-use vials [5].

What similarities do bacteriostatic water and sterile water share?

Some of the key similarities between bacteriostatic water and sterile water are as follows [5]:

1. Bacteriostatic water and sterile water are both sterile solutions formulated for use in medical and research contexts.
2. Both are used as dilutants or solvents of compounds that call for aqueous injection.
3. They share solute categories, as both may be used to inject certain peptides, hormones, and medications.
4. Both are suitable for these injection routes: intradermal, intravenous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular.
5. Hemolysis can result from the injection of both solvents without the addition of a solute.
6. Both solvents meet USP (US Pharmacopeia) standards and are considered pharmacology grade.

What are the differences between bacteriostatic water and sterile water?

There are several important differences between bacteriostatic water and sterile water, including [5]:

1. They have different pH levels and chemical compositions. Bacteriostatic water consists of water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol at a pH of 4.5-7, while sterile water is additive-free with a pH of 5.0-7.0.
2. Bacteriostatic water can be accessed multiple times without contamination, while sterile water becomes contaminated with one use. Thus, bacteriostatic water is sold in multi-dose containers, while sterile water containers are only suitable for one dose.
3. Bacteriostatic water solutions last longer due to the preservative content.
4. The FDA provides different regulations on certain drug interactions. So, bacteriostatic water and sterile water are not always interchangeable. Medical literature should be closely followed for safety.
5. Bacteriostatic water is not recommended for use in neonates.
6. Certain sterile water formulations are intended for use as rinses or irrigants, while bacteriostatic water is strictly for injection.
7. The production of bacteriostatic water is easier, making it more readily available than sterile water.
8. Many specialists consider bacteriostatic water to be a more effective dilutant or solvent due to its alcohol content.

When weighed against one another, bacteriostatic water is decidedly the more efficient and safe option for most applications. Not only does it remain sterile for longer, but it is more suited to the injection of therapeutic substances and medications [6].

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What is Bacteriostatic Water? | Overall

In closing, bacteriostatic water is an ideal solution for dissolving or diluting medications and therapeutic substances before injection. Its preservative content maintains sterility to maximize safety and efficacy in most clinical applications.

Qualified researchers and laboratory professionals can enjoy the major benefits of bacteriostatic water with the purchase of a handy injection kit from the best online source. Get started today!

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