Bacteriostatic Water
5 ml | Vial
$20.00$10.00
Bacteriostatic Water for Injection (BWFI) is a sterile, non-pyrogenic preparation of water for injection (WFI) designed as a vital pharmaceutical solvent for diluting or dissolving medications before parenteral administration. This specialized solution contains 0.9% (9 mg/mL) benzyl alcohol ($C_{7}H_{8}O$), which acts as a powerful antimicrobial preservative that inhibits the growth of most potentially contaminating bacteria.
Unlike standard sterile water, which is restricted to single-use only, the presence of a bacteriostatic agent allows for repeated withdrawals from a single multi-dose vial for up to 28 days under appropriate aseptic handling. It is an essential component in clinical and laboratory settings for reconstituting a wide range of medications, including peptides, hormones, and various lyophilized antibiotics.
Mechanism of Action (Research-Based)
Bacteriostatic Water exerts its preservative effects through chemical signaling and antimicrobial action, including:
Bacterial Growth Inhibition: The 0.9% benzyl alcohol content acts as a bacteriostat, keeping contaminating bacteria in a stationary phase of growth rather than killing them outright.
Contamination Prevention: Ensures the integrity and sterility of parenteral medications during multiple entries into a single vial.
Chemical Stability Maintenance: Provides a stable aqueous medium (averaging a pH of 5.7) that maintains the efficacy of potent active pharmaceutical ingredients during reconstitution.
Sterile Diluent Utility: Serves as a safe vehicle for the precise adjustment of drug concentrations for intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous delivery.
Aseptic Multi-Dose Capability: Allows for repeated needle insertions into the same container while minimizing the risk of infection between doses.
Outcome: Enhanced drug stability, significant reduction in medical waste, maintained sterility for multi-dose preparations, and safe, efficient dilution of injectable research materials.
Molecular Profile
Molecular Class: Sterile aqueous diluent with antimicrobial preservative.
Preservative Content: 0.9% (9 mg/mL) Benzyl Alcohol.
pH Range: 4.5 to 7.0 (Typical average: 5.7).
Storage: Store at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C); do not refrigerate before use to avoid separation of the preservative.
Key Research Features
Primary Focus: Sterile drug reconstitution and maintenance of solution sterility.
Antimicrobial Protection: Effectively inhibits bacterial proliferation in multi-dose environments.
Extended Usability: Maintains efficacy for up to 28 days after the first vial puncture.
Broad Compatibility: Suitable for a wide range of research reagents requiring an aqueous vehicle.
Purity Standards: Formulated to meet rigorous pharmacopeia (USP) safety and non-pyrogenic standards.
Primary Research Applications
Reconstitution of lyophilized peptides and proteins
Dilution of hormones and concentrated liquid medications
Multi-dose preparation for repeated research administrations
Laboratory workflows requiring reliable, long-term sterility
Vaccine and antibiotic preparation research
Endocrine signaling and metabolic syndrome studies
Best For
Reconstituting research-grade peptides and antibodies
Multi-dose laboratory optimization protocols
Scientific studies requiring stabilized drug diluents
Improving cost-efficiency in clinical research workflows
Maintaining sterility in frequently accessed research vials
Enhancing the safety profile of home-administered research protocols
Using Bacteriostatic Water for Injection (BWFI) requires strict adherence to aseptic techniques to prevent bacterial contamination. As a multi-dose vial, its 0.9% benzyl alcohol preservative allows it to be accessed repeatedly for up to 28 days after the first puncture, provided a new sterile needle and syringe are used each time.
1. Preparation & Aseptic Setup
Sanitize Workspace: Ensure your work area is clean and free from drafts or high traffic.
Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with bactericidal soap for at least 30 seconds.
Inspect Vials: Check that both the BWFI and the medication vial are within their expiration dates and that the solutions are clear and free of particles.
Disinfect Stoppers: Remove the plastic caps and scrub the rubber stoppers of both vials with a fresh 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe. Allow them to air dry completely before proceeding.
2. Reconstitution Process
Draw Air: Pull back the plunger of a sterile syringe to the desired volume of water (e.g., 1 mL or 2 mL).
Equalize Pressure: Insert the needle into the BWFI vial and inject the air. This makes it easier to withdraw the liquid without creating a vacuum.
Withdraw Water: Invert the vial and withdraw the exact amount of BWFI needed.
Transfer to Medication: Insert the needle into the vial containing the lyophilized (powder) medication.
Pro-Tip: Aim the stream of water against the side of the glass wall rather than directly onto the powder to avoid damaging delicate peptides.
Mix Gently: Do not shake the vial. Instead, gently roll the vial between your palms until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear.
3. Dosage Calculation
The concentration of your final solution depends on the amount of water added to the milligrams of powder.
In a standard 100-unit (1 mL) insulin syringe, each "10-unit" mark would then represent 250 mcg.
The concentration of your final solution depends on the amount of water added to the milligrams of powder.
Formula:
Concentration (mcg/mL) = (Total Peptide (mg) × 1000) / Volume of Water (mL)Example:
If you add 2 mL of BWFI to a 5 mg vial of peptide:(5 mg × 1000) / 2 mL = 2500 mcg/mL
4. Storage & Safety
Labeling: Mark the BWFI vial with the date of first entry. Discard the remaining water exactly 28 days after this date.
Reconstituted Storage: Store the mixed medication according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically under refrigeration (2°C to 8°C).
Disposal: Never reuse needles or syringes. Dispose of all sharps in a designated biohazard container immediately after use.
Contraindication: Never use BWFI for neonates or for epidural/spinal procedures due to the risk of benzyl alcohol toxicity.
