Bacteriostatic water is a substance that is extremely useful in the administration of many kinds of invitro products, including SARMS and peptide products available in Australia via our store.
The term ‘bacteriostatic’ refers to any compound that has the ability to inhibit the growth and proliferation of bacteria. Therefore, bacteriostatic water is specially formulated to be inhabitable for all bacteria and maintain its sterility for a long time.
Seeing as bacteriostatic water is a chemical compound, it is imperative that any potential user gets well enlightened about its composition, uses, contraindications and possible side effects. Just like you would adhere to the specific dosage and rules of a prescribed drug, it is important to take specific precautions when using bacteriostatic water.
Listed below are ten questions that are commonly asked by those looking to buy bacteriostatic water, and some of the answers that will give you the essential information you need to know.
What Are The Constituents Of Bacteriostatic Water?
Bacteriostatic water is mainly composed of distilled and sterile water and 0.9% Benzyl alcohol. Distilled water is water that has been purified of all impurities and additives. Benzyl alcohol is a colourless aromatic compound that is usually used as a solvent and preservative. It is the active ingredient in bacteriostatic water that is responsible for limiting the growth of bacteria.
Is Bacteriostatic Water The Same As Sterile Water?
Bacteriostatic water can sometimes be confused with sterile water for injection, as both serve similar purposes. There are some factors that significantly distinguish sterile water from bacteriostatic water. Firstly, sterile water is major water that has been decontaminated and sterilized to its purest state. Sterile water has a pH that is balanced between five and seven.
Unlike bacteriostatic water, sterile water has no bacteria-inhibiting qualities as it does not contain additives like Benzyl alcohol.
You can find Bacteriostatic Water for Australia here.
What Are The Uses Of Bacteriostatic Water?
Bacteriostatic water is mainly used for the reconstitution of drugs and other substances that would be administered into the body parenterally. The parenteral route of drug administration means getting drugs into the body system through routes other than orally.
Bacteriostatic water can be mixed with substances that are meant to be taken intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously and intradermally. An example of such a substance is peptides, synthetic compounds created to mimic the protein chains that are present naturally in the body.
How Long Can You Use A Vial Of Bacteriostatic Water?
Due to the bacterial growth-inhibiting nature of benzyl alcohol, one vial of bacteriostatic water can be used for a considerable amount of time. Unlike sterile water that can only be used once, you can reuse an opened vial of bacteriostatic water for up to 28 days before it loses its efficacy.
However, it is important to only penetrate the cap of the vial using sterile needles only to help preserve the sterility and prolong the longevity of its effectiveness.
What Are The Contraindications Of Bacteriostatic Water?
There are some situations and conditions where using bacteriostatic water can cause more harm than good. Before you constitute a solution, you must ensure that the solute can be mixed safely with bacteriostatic water without undergoing a reaction that would change the makeup of the drug.
Bacteriostatic water can not be used for the irrigation of exposed tissues, unlike sterile water. Likewise, it should not be injected into the body without a solute as bacteriostatic water is not isotonic, i.e. the concentration of solutes and water is dissimilar to that of the cells in the body.
Neonates, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are specific groups that are contraindicated to the use of bacteriostatic water.
Does Bacteriostatic Water Have Any Side Effects?
The major adverse effect that can be brought about by the injection of undiluted bacteriostatic water into the bloodstream is hemolysis which is the destruction of red blood cells.
Hypersensitivity to Benzyl alcohol or the solutes can result in side effects such as hives, hyperpyrexia, and itching. The method of reconstruction and administration of the solution can cause the formation of abscess, skin and tissue necrosis, localized pain or tenderness at the site of injection.
How Should Bacteriostatic Water Be Stored?
Ideally, bacteriostatic water should be kept in the container it came in and stored in a cool, preferably dark, location. It should be kept in a place with a room temperature of between 19 to 25 degree Celsius.
High temperatures can reduce the shelf life of bacteriostatic water by causing the benzyl alcohol to lose its effectiveness at a faster rate.
Does Bacteriostatic Water Contain Preservatives?
Preservatives are compounds added to substances to prevent the active ingredients from going bad or expiring. Benzyl alcohol is the preservative as well as the bacteriostatic agent in bacteriostatic water.
Hence, aseptic techniques must be used when withdrawing from the vial to promote the viability of the benzyl alcohol. In addition, do not use an opened container of bacteriostatic water for more than 28 days, as the bacteria-inhibiting quality would have significantly diminished.
Is There A Risk Of Overdosage When Using Bacteriostatic Water?
Many believe that bacteriostatic water is relatively safe for use in humans as long as it is used in the prescribed manner. When used to reconstitute drugs and other substances, ensure that the resulting solution is isotonic in concentration.
For additional resources on this subject you can go here, here or here.
Is Bacteriostatic Water The Same As Bacteriostatic Saline?
Bacteriostatic saline is a saline (NaCl) solution that contains 0.9% of Benzyl alcohol which makes it slightly different from bacteriostatic water. Bacteriostatic saline can be used to dilute drugs for intravenous administration and as a local anaesthetic agent.
In conclusion, bacteriostatic water is a mixture of distilled, sterile water and benzyl alcohol which prevents the growth and multiplication of bacteria. It is mainly used in the dilution of drugs to form an isotonic solution that can be injected parenterally. One vial can be used for up to 28 days before it becomes toxic.
Bacteriostatic water is contraindicated in neonates, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people hypersensitive to Benzyl alcohol. It does not need to be refrigerated as it can be stored in a dark area with a temperature of between 19 to 25 degree Celsius.