At a glance
Effects
- Diluent / solvent: Dissolves or dilutes powdered or concentrated drugs to a usable concentration before injection.[2][4]
- Bacteriostatic preservation: Benzyl alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, allowing one vial to be punctured multiple times over a limited period.[1][6]
- No pharmacological action: Has no therapeutic or performance effect on its own; any effect felt comes from the drug it carries.[5]
Sterile injectable diluent (preserved water)
0.9% (9 mg/mL) benzyl alcohol
Diluent for IM / SC / IV drugs (not injected alone)
5.7 (range 4.5–7.0)
~28 days after first puncture
About Bacteriostatic Water
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
How it works
It is sterile, nonpyrogenic water containing 0.9% (9 mg/mL) benzyl alcohol as a preservative.[1][2] The benzyl alcohol suppresses or stops the growth of most contaminating bacteria, which is what allows the multiple-dose vial to be re-entered repeatedly for repeated withdrawals.[1][2] The water itself has no direct effect on the body — it simply acts as a carrier vehicle for the active drug.[5]
Risks & side effects
Most important: It must never be injected intravenously on its own — IV administration without a dissolved solute can cause hemolysis (red blood cell rupture) because it is not isotonic.[2][3] It must be made approximately isotonic by the added drug before use.[3]
Common
Serious
- Hemolysis (red blood cell destruction) if injected IV without a solute, because it is not isotonic.[2][3]
- Injection-site reactions originating from the added drug or poor technique: fever, abscess formation, venous thrombosis or phlebitis, tissue death and infection.[2]
- Allergic / hypersensitivity reaction in people sensitive to benzyl alcohol.[5]
Safety & harm reduction
- Neonates / newborns, especially premature infants — benzyl alcohol is associated with fatal toxicity ('gasping syndrome'); use preservative-free Sterile Water instead.[5][3]
- Anyone with known hypersensitivity to benzyl alcohol.[5]
- Not for epidural or spinal (intrathecal) administration.[5][3]
- Not for large-volume IV fluid replacement or hydration.[5][3]
- Generally does not interact with other drugs, but some injectable drugs may be physically incompatible (precipitation/instability) when mixed.[2]
Dosage context
There is no therapeutic dose — bacteriostatic water is dosed only as the volume needed to reconstitute or dilute another drug, following that drug manufacturer's instructions.[2][3] It is supplied in multiple-dose vials (commonly 30 mL) for repeated small withdrawals, and is for drug-diluent use only.[2][1]
Sources
- 1.DailyMed — Bacteriostatic Water for Injection label
- 2.RxList — Bacteriostatic Water
- 3.Pfizer labeling — Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP
- 4.Drugs.com — Bacteriostatic Water for Injection prescribing info
- 5.Empower Pharmacy — Bacteriostatic Water Injection
- 6.Molewater — Bacteriostatic Water uses & handling (link unavailable)
- 7.Canvax — Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol) FAQ
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.
Other options for Bacteriostatic Water· 2 offers
Same compound from different labs/brands and pack sizes. Tap a row to switch brand — the price and buy button update instantly.
| Brand | Form | Strength | Pack | Price | Per mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GenericSelected | vial | — | 30 ml | 54,90 € | — |
Generic | vial | — | 100 ml | 84,90 € | — |