terile Water for Injection is a pharmaceutical-grade water that is free from any microorganisms, pyrogens (fever-causing agents), and added substances. It is widely used in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories as a diluent or solvent for preparing injectable medications.

Overview

• Generic Name: Sterile Water for Injection
• Form: Clear, colorless, odorless liquid
• Composition: 100% purified water, sterilized
• Packaging: Available in glass ampoules, vials, or plastic containers (usually 5 mL to 1000 mL)

Description

Sterile Water for Injection is prepared by distillation or reverse osmosis and then sterilized to remove any bacteria or other contaminants. It does not contain any antimicrobial agents or added buffers, so once opened, it should be used immediately and discarded after a single use to maintain sterility.

Uses

1. Diluent for Injectable Drugs:
   Used to reconstitute or dissolve powdered medications (e.g., antibiotics, hormones, vaccines) before administration.
2. Solvent for Parenteral Solutions:
   Acts as a vehicle for preparing sterile solutions for injection.
3. Irrigation or Rinsing (in some cases):
   May be used for rinsing surgical instruments or wound cleaning when sterile conditions are required.

Administration

• Route: Intravenous (IV), Intramuscular (IM), or Subcutaneous (SC) — only after drug reconstitution.
• Not for direct injection unless specifically prescribed, as injecting plain sterile water intravenously can cause hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) due to its hypotonic nature.

Precautions

• Use only under medical supervision.
• Do not use if the solution appears cloudy or contains particles.
• Discard unused portion after opening.
• Store at controlled room temperature, away from contamination.

Storage

• Temperature: 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
• Keep sealed until use to maintain sterility.

Key Point

Sterile Water for Injection itself has no therapeutic effect — it is purely a vehicle or medium used to safely prepare or deliver medications that are intended for inject