Bacteriostatic water is a solution of sterile water and a small amount of benzyl alcohol acting as a bacteriostatic agent to prevent the development of bacterial strains. If you have not yet come into contact with this solution, you will next time you administer a drug by injection. This use is most often found in clinical practice with peptide or hormone therapy, but vaccines also require a similar application method. However, regardless of the presence of bacteriostatic, the water can certainly become contaminated and unusable after opening, so it is crucial to know how to handle injectable drugs properly before use.
What is Bac Water?
Bacteriostatic water is a chemical solution of sterile water and 0.9% benzyl alcohol that acts as a bacteriostatic. Bacteria are free-living, single-celled microorganisms that come in many different strains and forms, each with distinct biological characteristics. Only pathogenic forms of bacteria are harmful to the human body and cause a defensive immune reaction, which, over time, leads to the appearance of specific symptoms. We can introduce these microorganisms in various ways, among which the most dangerous route of entry is direct blood exposure.
When administering a drug intramuscularly (into the muscle) or subcutaneously (under the skin), potentially pathogenic bacteria do not immediately enter the bloodstream; instead, they develop a local infection at the site of administration. Afterward, bacteremia (the presence of bacteria in the blood) and their further hematogenous spread may develop. Therefore, you must know how to properly prepare the drug that you need to administer subcutaneously or intramuscularly to avoid unwanted effects.
The bacteriostatic water that you need to mix with the active substance contains bacteriostatic agents (0.9% benzyl alcohol), which do not directly kill bacteria (bactericidal effect), but prevent their reproduction. However, this solution has limited use and can become contaminated over time.
Unlike bacteriostatic water, sterile water is free of microorganisms (safe to use), but lacks a substance that prevents the growth of new bacterial strains and their reproduction. This type of solvent is also used to mix with certain drugs, but there is no possibility of re-application after a specific period. After mixing the drug with sterile water, it must be applied immediately.
On the other hand, the difference between sterile water and distilled water is reflected in the creation and beginning of production, composition, and use. Distilled water is used for technical purposes and is purified from minerals and impurities, but not from microorganisms. However, sterile water used for medical purposes has undergone a sterilization process and does not contain microorganisms.
Shelf Life of Bacteriostatic Water
Bacteriostatic water is available in bottles of 2ml, 5ml, and up to 30ml. When stored properly, the unopened bottle can be kept for several years (the use-by date is usually indicated on the package). However, after opening the bottle, bacteriostatic water can be used for the next twenty-eight days (with initial use). During this period, it is necessary to preserve the sterility of the water, which is ensured by proper use.
During the application of the drug subcutaneously or intramuscularly, it is essential to use sterile, unwrapped needles and syringes, and not to touch the tip of the needle and the top of the bottle with dirty hands. After use, the bottle of bacteriostatic water is closed immediately, and the used needles and syringes are disposed of properly. If you notice that the water has changed color, formed sediment, or has a strange and unpleasant smell, it is assumed that contamination has occurred due to careless use or that more than twenty-eight days have passed since opening.
After twenty-eight days, benzyl alcohol exhibits reduced activity and fails to prevent bacterial growth effectively, thereby increasing the risk of contamination. Also, after the prescribed period, even the slightest contact with the external environment can lead to bacterial growth. Even if you think the bacteriostatic water is still clean, sterile, and as good as new, do not use it if it has been opened for more than twenty-eight days. So, if you’ve asked yourself, does bacteriostatic water expire? Scientific research says yes.
How to Store Bacteriostatic Water
Bacteriostatic water must be stored in the refrigerator and in a dry place (at a temperature of 2-8 °C), out of direct sunlight. As such, water can last for twenty-eight days after opening and can be used multiple times. The aqueous solution leaves these conditions only during use, after which it is immediately returned to a safe place, free from contamination. You can reuse the used solution only if you used sterile needles, syringes, gloves, and did not touch the top of the bottle.
Clinical Use of Bacteriostatic Water
Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Administration of Therapy
Subcutaneous and intramuscular administration of drugs and supplements, which is often done in daily practice, requires the use of bacteriostatic water. The reason for this is the potential for bacteremia, which can be the worst consequence if bacteria from the environment enter the bloodstream. If this complication is not frequent and the transient development of local infection at the site of administration is possible, the risk should be minimized. Therefore, it is advisable to mix the drug with bacteriostatic water, which ensures the absence of microorganisms. The drug can be used again within twenty-eight days if the rules of use are followed.
Peptide therapy (BPC-157, TB-500), hormone therapy (growth hormone, insulin), and the active ingredients of vaccines often come in a dry, lyophilized form as a powder. During regular daily administration, it is necessary to mix the powder and bacteriostatic water according to the instructions to obtain a ready-to-use solution. Benzyl alcohol from the solution does not interfere with the action of the drug or its chemical properties in any way, ensuring the success of the therapy from an administration perspective.
Most of these preparations require subcutaneous administration (puncture under the skin surface), followed by intramuscular administration as the next most common method. This type of injection requires a needle to be inserted directly into the muscle, which may cause a mild reaction at the injection site. Intramuscular administration is typically required for drugs that are released slowly in the body, such as specific antibiotics, hormones, or peptides.
Pharmacological and Medical Research
Before being approved for use, peptides or hormones intended for injection undergo a series of pharmacological and medical tests, leading them through various stages of clinical trials in animals and ultimately in humans. Each of these stages requires simulating as realistic conditions as possible, so it is necessary to use bacteriostatic water to dilute the powdered substances in each of them. The most common clinical use is preserved in the fields of regenerative and sports medicine (especially bodybuilding), where such preparations are used daily.
What Are Side Effects of Bacteriostatic Water
Allergic Reaction
0.9% Benzyl Alcohol is the primary aromatic alcohol added to sterile water to exert its bacteriostatic effects, preventing the growth of bacteria and thus preserving the water from contamination. However, this component of bacteriostatic water can cause side effects, such as mild allergic reactions, at the site of application. Symptoms experienced by the patient include redness, swelling, pain, or a local increase in body temperature. Additionally, systemic gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, may occur. No cases of anaphylactic shock have been reported in scientific studies, but patients are still advised to exercise caution.
If symptoms such as a feeling of choking, trouble breathing, or a feeling of a lump in the throat occur, patients are advised to seek immediate medical intervention and additional therapy, including adrenaline, corticosteroids, and antihistamines.
Gasping Syndrome
After using bacteriostatic water, benzyl alcohol continues to be metabolized in the liver and is eventually excreted. However, in newborns, the liver’s enzyme system is immature, so they cannot metabolize and eliminate this substance. Benzoic acid, which is formed as a product of metabolism in the liver, accumulates and leads to severe toxic effects in newborns. This phenomenon occurs frequently when newborn babies are exposed to benzyl alcohol. Therefore, scientists have determined that it is necessary to use sterile water for single-use applications without bacteriostatics.
Suppose a newborn is exposed to benzyl alcohol from a bacteriostatic source. In that case, it can cause labored, intermittent, and irregular breathing, metabolic acidosis (the accumulation of acidic metabolites in the body), low blood pressure (hypotension), and disturbances of consciousness, such as convulsions. The child becomes weak and lethargic, and if not treated immediately, death can occur.
Dosing Mistakes
The doctor or pharmacist should explain to the patient the correct dosage method, as well as any additional instructions that may be necessary. Otherwise, dosing errors may occur, as patients often replace bacteriostatic water with saline and use it in a much larger amount than intended. Bacteriostatic water is not designed for infusions of larger amounts, and its use in this manner can lead to severe side effects.
Conclusion
Bacteriostatic water is a solution of sterile water and 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which acts as a bacteriostatic agent to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Due to this addition, the water can remain sterile for up to twenty-eight days after opening, provided it is used correctly ( with sterile needles and syringes). This aqueous solution is used to prepare drugs that come in a dry, lyophilized form (as a powder), which is more often suitable for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Peptides, hormones, or antibiotics usually require this therapy as part of regenerative or sports medicine.
The drug can be used multiple times within the prescribed period with adequate handling. After twenty-eight days, even with proper use, there is a risk of contamination, so its use is not recommended. Before using it, consult a doctor who can explain the procedure and method of application in more detail, ensuring the sterility of the water. Now that you know all the details about bacteriostatic water, all that’s left is to buy your bottle and start using the therapy.
FAQ
How Long Does Bac Water Last?
Unopened bacteriostatic water can last for years, but once opened, it is best to use it within the next 28 days.
Does Bacteriostatic Water Need to be Refrigerated?
This solution should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2-8 degrees, in a dry place out of direct sunlight.
Does Bacteriostatic Water Expire?
Like any other medical product, bacteriostatic water has its own shelf life, which varies depending on the manufacturer. However, the shelf life of several years is only valid if the bottle remains unopened.
Can You Drink Sterile Water?
Sterile water is free of microorganisms, so it is safe to drink from that point of view. However, since it lacks minerals and electrolytes, prolonged use could lead to electrolyte imbalances in the body over time.
How to Reconstitute Peptides?
First, check if the peptide comes in a dry lyophilized form. Then, choose a solvent (usually bacteriostatic water), and prepare sterile needles, a syringe, and a glove. Slowly add a certain amount of solvent to the powder down the side of the vial. Then, gently swirl this solution until the substance is fully combined.
What is Bacteriostatic Water Used for Steroids?
Steroids (testosterone, boldenone) most often come in powder form and require mixing with bactericidal water. The mixing procedure is the same as for other indications, and the most common method of administration is subcutaneous injection.
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