Hospira bacteriostatic water for injection is a sterile diluent with 0.9% benzyl alcohol. Learn its uses, 30 mL vial, where to buy, and safety in the US.
Hospira bacteriostatic water for injection is a sterile, nonpyrogenic diluent that contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic preservative. It is manufactured by Hospira, which is now part of Pfizer, and is supplied in multiple-dose vials, most commonly a 30 mL size. The product is used to reconstitute or dilute medications for injection, but it is not intended for direct intravenous infusion.
What Is Hospira Bacteriostatic Water for Injection?
Bacteriostatic water for injection is water that has been sterilized and mixed with a small amount of benzyl alcohol. The benzyl alcohol prevents or inhibits the growth of bacteria, which allows a single vial to be entered more than once. This is why it is called a multiple-dose diluent.
Hospira bacteriostatic water is a brand-name version of this product. It is not the same as sterile water for injection, which contains no preservative and is intended for single use. The pH of Hospira bacteriostatic water for injection is between 4.5 and 7.0, and it contains no sodium chloride.
Hospira bacteriostatic water for injection is not approved for use in newborns. Benzyl alcohol has been associated with serious adverse reactions, including gasping syndrome, in premature and low-birth-weight infants.
What Is Bacteriostatic Water for Injection Used For?
Many people ask what is bacteriostatic water for injection used for, and the primary answer is that it is a diluent. It is used to dissolve or dilute powdered medications so they can be injected. Common examples include certain antibiotics, hormones, and peptide medications that are supplied as lyophilized powders.
It is important to understand that bacteriostatic water for injection is not for direct intravenous injection. It is also not for irrigation or for use as a flush. Instead, it is mixed with a medication, and the resulting solution is then administered according to the medication's instructions.
Because it contains a preservative, bacteriostatic water for injection allows multiple withdrawals from the same vial. This can reduce waste and cost when a medication is used repeatedly. However, the vial must still be handled with aseptic technique and discarded according to facility policy or the manufacturer's instructions.
Hospira Bacteriostatic Water vs. Sterile Water vs. Saline
Choosing the right diluent matters. The table below compares Hospira bacteriostatic water for injection with two other common options: sterile water for injection and bacteriostatic sodium chloride 0.9%.
| Product | Preservative | Typical Use | Common Vial Size | Key Limitation |
| Hospira Bacteriostatic Water for Injection | 0.9% benzyl alcohol | Reconstituting multiple-dose medications | 30 mL | Not for newborns; not for direct IV |
| Sterile Water for Injection | None | Single-use dilution; IV admixtures | 10 mL, 20 mL, 50 mL | No preservative; discard after opening |
| Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride 0.9% | 0.9% benzyl alcohol | Diluting medications; multiple-dose | 30 mL | Contains sodium; not for newborns |
| Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) | None | IV fluids, flush, dilution | Various | No preservative; single-use |
Sterile water for injection contains no preservative, so it must be used for a single withdrawal and then discarded. Bacteriostatic sodium chloride contains benzyl alcohol plus sodium chloride, which may be preferred when the medication requires an isotonic diluent. Hospira bacteriostatic water for injection is preservative-containing water without added salt.
30 mL Vial: Size, Storage, and Handling
The 30ml bacteriostatic water for injection vial is the most widely used size in the United States. Each vial is a multiple-dose container, which means it can be punctured several times before it must be discarded. The vial should be stored at controlled room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F). It should not be frozen.
Before each use, inspect the vial for particles or discoloration. Do not use the product if the solution is cloudy or contains visible particles. Always use a new needle and syringe, and clean the stopper with an alcohol swab before entry.
Once a multiple-dose vial is opened, it should be dated and used within the beyond-use date established by your pharmacy or facility. The manufacturer's labeling does not provide a specific beyond-use date after the first puncture, so follow your institution's policy.
Where to Buy Hospira Bacteriostatic Water for Injection
If you are wondering where can i buy bacteriostatic water for injection, the answer depends on your purpose. In the United States, bacteriostatic water for injection is a prescription product labeled for drug reconstitution and dilution. This means you typically need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider or a purchase through a licensed medical supplier.
Hospira bacteriostatic water is distributed by Pfizer and is sold to pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. Some online vendors sell bacteriostatic water for injection for research or laboratory use only, and those products are not intended for human use. Buying from unverified sources carries risks, including contamination and incorrect labeling.
Hospital pharmacies and compounding pharmacies are often the best starting points for a legitimate supply. Call ahead to confirm availability and prescription requirements. If you are looking for a local option, ask your pharmacist whether they can order the product for you.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Hospira bacteriostatic water for injection is not for use in newborns. The benzyl alcohol preservative can cause severe toxicity in neonates, including metabolic acidosis, respiratory depression, and cardiovascular collapse. It should also not be used for direct intravenous injection, intrathecal administration, or eye irrigation.
Patients and caregivers should always follow the instructions provided by the prescribing healthcare professional. Do not mix medications unless the combination is known to be compatible. Do not use the product if you are allergic to benzyl alcohol or any other ingredient.
Some people use the shorthand bac water for injection when referring to this product. Regardless of the name, the same safety rules apply. If you have questions about whether bacteriostatic water for injection is appropriate for a specific medication, consult a pharmacist or physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between bacteriostatic water and sterile water?
Bacteriostatic water contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative, which allows multiple withdrawals from the same vial. Sterile water for injection contains no preservative and is intended for single use only. Using the wrong diluent can affect drug stability and safety.
Can I buy Hospira bacteriostatic water for injection without a prescription?
In the United States, bacteriostatic water for injection is a prescription product. You typically need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider or must purchase it through a licensed medical supplier. Some online vendors sell it for research use only, but those products are not intended for human use.
Is bacteriostatic water for injection safe for newborns?
No. Bacteriostatic water for injection is not for use in newborns because the benzyl alcohol preservative can cause serious toxicity in neonates. Premature and low-birth-weight infants are at the highest risk. A healthcare professional should select an appropriate preservative-free diluent for this population.
This page provides educational research information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.