Overview
Bacteriostatic Water is sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as an antimicrobial preservative, specifically formulated for reconstituting injectable medications.
What problem it targets: It prevents bacterial, fungal, and microbial contamination in multi-dose vials of lyophilized peptides and medications that are accessed repeatedly over weeks.
What It Does
• Provides a safe, multi-dose vehicle: The 0.9% benzyl alcohol bacteriostatic agent inhibits the growth and multiplication of microorganisms introduced during needle punctures.
• Dissolves lyophilized peptides gently: Serves as a pure, neutral-pH liquid carrier that dissolves delicate freeze-dried peptide cakes without altering their molecular structures.
• Extends refrigerated shelf life: Allows reconstituted multi-dose vials to remain safe for repeated use over 28 days when properly stored at refrigerated temperatures (36–46°F).
• Realistic expectations: It is purely a multi-use solvent and excipient with no therapeutic or physiological activity of its own. It must never be used for epidural, spinal, or neonatal injections.
Reconstitution
| Vial size | BAC water / Solvent | Concentration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ml / 30 ml | Pre-mixed solution | 0.9% benzyl alcohol in sterile water | Not for injection on its own By sex: N/A, a reconstitution solvent, not a dosed compound. |
Handling & Stacking
- Benzyl alcohol allergy is rare but documented; switch to preservative-free sterile water if confirmed.
- Contraindicated in neonates due to gasping syndrome from benzyl alcohol toxicity.
- IGF-1 LR3 family (use 0.6% acetic acid).
- Neonates (benzyl alcohol toxicity).
- Patients with confirmed benzyl alcohol allergy (use preservative-free sterile water for single-use only).
