Sterile Water for Injection

What is Sterile Water for Injection?

Sterile Water for Injection is a non-pyrogenic, sterile, and non-isotonic water preparation used primarily as a diluent or solvent for parenteral (injectable) medications. It contains no added antimicrobial agents, buffers, or other substances. It is not suitable for intravenous injection without first being mixed with appropriate solutes to make it isotonic.

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What are the Uses of Sterile Water for Injection?

Sterile Water for Injection is use to:

• Dilute or dissolve drugs prior to intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection.

• Reconstitute powdered medications (e.g., antibiotics, hormones, vaccines).

• Serve as a vehicle for drug delivery in clinical and hospital settings.

• Irrigate small wounds when no better option is available (though not preferred for large volume irrigation).

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What are the Benefits of Sterile Water for Injection?

• Safe Solvent: Provides a sterile medium for reconstituting medications.

• Flexible Use: Compatible with a wide variety of medications.

• No Additives: Reduces risk of unwanted chemical interactions.

• Cost-Effective: Inexpensive and widely available for healthcare settings.

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How Does Sterile Water for Injection Work?

Sterile Water for Injection serves as a carrier or solvent. It does not have therapeutic effects by itself. When a drug is mixed with this water, the resulting solution can be safely injected or infused into the body for therapeutic effects.

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How to Take Sterile Water for Injection?

• Not for Direct Injection: It must be mixed with an appropriate solute or medication.

• By Healthcare Professional: Administration should only be performed by qualified healthcare personnel following strict aseptic techniques.

• Route: The mixture is then administered via intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), or subcutaneous (SC) injection, depending on the medication’s requirements.

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Dosage of Sterile Water for Injection

• Dependent on Medication: The volume of sterile water use varies according to the drug being diluted or reconstitute.

• Common Volumes: Ampoules and vials may range from 2 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL to 50 mL or more, depending on the need.

• Administration Guidelines: Never exceed the recommended dilution to avoid hemolysis or other adverse effects.

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Missed Dose and Overdose

• Missed Dose: Not applicable, as Sterile Water is use for preparation, not direct treatment.

• Overdose: Direct injection of large volumes of sterile water can cause hemolysis, electrolyte imbalance, and serious complications due to hypotonicity. Emergency medical intervention is require in such cases.

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What are the Available Strengths of Sterile Water for Injection?

Sterile Water for Injection does not come in “strengths” (as it contains no active ingredients) but is available in different volumes, such as:

• 2 mL

• 5 mL

• 10 mL

• 20 mL

• 50 mL

• 100 mL

• 250 mL

• 500 mL

• 1000 mL (bulk containers for hospital use)

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Side Effects of Sterile Water for Injection

Though rare, potential side effects (typically from improper use) may include:

• Hemolysis (if injected without additives)

• Local irritation at the injection site

• Fluid overload (if used inappropriately)

• Electrolyte imbalance (with large-volume use)

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Interactions of Sterile Water for Injection

• No known drug interactions on its own.

• Must be used cautiously to avoid incompatibility with drugs being reconstituted or diluted.

• Always follow compatibility guidelines provided by drug manufacturers.

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Precautions of Sterile Water for Injection

• Do not inject directly without mixing with solutes.

• Use aseptically to avoid contamination.

• Discard unused portion after single-use unless stated otherwise.

• Avoid in neonates unless prescribed and prepared specifically.

• Watch for hemolysis risks with large volumes.

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Storage Information

• Store at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C / 68°F to 77°F).

• Protect from freezing and light.

• Do not use if the container is damage, leaking, or shows particulate matter.

• Use before expiry date mentioned on packaging.

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Availability in the US and AUS

• United States: Available OTC and in hospitals. Supplied by companies like Baxter, Hospira, B. Braun.

• Australia: Available through pharmacies, hospitals, and medical supply companies. Regulated by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I inject Sterile Water alone?

No. Direct injection can cause hemolysis and other complications. It must be use to dilute other medications.

Q2. Is Sterile Water the same as Saline?

No. Saline contains 0.9% sodium chloride and is isotonic, whereas Sterile Water contains no salts and is hypotonic.

Q3. Can it be use for wound cleaning?

It can be use in small volumes, though saline is generally preferred for wound irrigation.

Q4. Is it safe for newborns?

Only under strict medical guidance. Premature or neonatal use must follow specific protocols.

Q5. Does it expire?

Yes, always check the expiration date and discard any unused solution after opening (unless multi-dose is specified).