Bacteriostatic Water and Sterile Water for Injection

Bacteriostatic Water for Injection is sterile, non-pyrogenic water that contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol, a preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria. It is primarily used to dilute or dissolve medications for injection—such as peptides, hormones (HCG, HGH, testosterone), and botulinum toxins (Botox®).

Sterile Water for Injection is ultra-pure, sterile water with no antimicrobial agents or preservatives. It is single-use only and is intended to dilute medications for immediate use in intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection.

No. Sterile Water for Injection: NO preservatives; must use entire vial after opening. Bacteriostatic Water: Contains benzyl alcohol; can be used multiple times within 28 days.

Bacteriostatic means “inhibiting the growth or reproduction of bacteria.” In this case, benzyl alcohol keeps the water free of bacterial contamination for repeated withdrawals from the vial.

Use bacteriostatic water if you need to reconstitute a medication or peptide that requires multiple doses from the same vial over several days or weeks. For single-use reconstitution (one-time injection), sterile water may be used.

No. Bacteriostatic water is considered a prescription-only item in the United States and many other countries for safety reasons.

To prevent misuse, contamination, and ensure safe, sterile administration when reconstituting injectable medications, a prescription is legally required.

Store bacteriostatic water at room temperature (20–25°C/68–77°F), away from light. Do not freeze. Refrigeration is not necessary, but always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Sterile Water for Injection: Use for single-use applications only Normal Saline (0.9% Sodium Chloride): Sometimes used if compatible with medication—check your medication and provider’s instructions.

Always use medical-grade sterile water or bacteriostatic water, never tap or filtered water, for reconstituting injectable medications or peptides.

NO—do not drink bacteriostatic water. It is only for injection, due to the presence of benzyl alcohol.

Yes. Bacteriostatic water is preferred for reconstituting Botox® and other similar injectables for safe, repeated dosing.

Read your medication’s package insert or consult your doctor. Most peptides and reconstitutable injectables specify bacteriostatic water. Only use sterile water for one-time, immediate-use injections unless otherwise indicated.

Reconstitution of peptides (HCG, HGH, BPC-157, TB-500, etc.) Mixing medications for IM, IV, or subcutaneous injection Diluting Botox®, hormone therapies, antibiotics Used in hospital and clinic injection protocols

Yes. Hospitals, clinics, and specialty pharmacies regularly use bacteriostatic water for safe medication mixing, especially for multi-dose purposes.

Yes. Prescription required in the US, Canada, Europe, and many other regions.

Rare and usually mild when used as directed. Potential risks: Allergic reaction to benzyl alcohol Injection-site redness or irritation Most side effects stem from medication, not the water itself

Yes, for single-use reconstitution and immediate injection. Not for repeated puncturing or multi-dose vials, as you risk bacterial contamination.

Yes. All standard bacteriostatic water contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as the preservative.

You can withdraw multiple doses from the same vial within 28 days (using a new sterile needle/syringe each time). Never use beyond the expiration date or 28 days after opening.

Follow the manufacturer or prescription instructions—common ratios are 1–5 mL per vial, depending on the drug and intended dose.

Sterilize vial tops Draw up water using sterile syringe/needle Inject into powder vial Swirl gently (don’t shake) Withdraw mixed solution for use or storage (per label instructions)

Bacteriostatic water acts instantly to halt bacterial growth once contaminated, but remains effective for up to 28 days when handled properly.

Not always. Reconstitution water may be sterile water (single-use) or bacteriostatic water (multi-use)—always check your medication’s requirements.

Pharmacy-grade, USP sterile, preservative-free or benzyl alcohol–preserved options Sealed, tamper-evident vials for ultimate safety Perfect for peptides, hormone therapy, Botox, insulin, and research Multi-use vials for cost-effective, contamination-free dosing Individually packaged and shipped discreetly to your door Compliant with all medical and regulatory standards