Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection Normal Saline Multiple Dose 20 mL, 25/pk (Rx)

Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection Multiple Dose Vials are used as a diluent for medications, providing a sterile solution for injection. They contain benzyl alcohol as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth, allowing multi-dose usage. This solution is employed for diluting or dissolving medications for intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous administration. It helps maintain the isotonicity of drug solutions, ensuring safe medication delivery. Commonly used in clinical settings, it aids in administering consistent and effective treatment across various medical applications.

Details and Features:

Volume: 20 mL per vial
Packaging: 25 vials per pack
Concentration: 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Preservative: Contains benzyl alcohol (0.9%) as a bacteriostatic agent
Intended Use: Diluting or dissolving medications for injection
Multiple-dose vial: Allows multiple withdrawals for various dilutions or preparations

Mechanism of Action:

The primary role of Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection is to act as a vehicle for the administration of medications. It provides a sterile solution in which drugs can be diluted without compromising their efficacy. The sodium chloride provides isotonicity, making it compatible with the body's extracellular fluids. The added benzyl alcohol prevents bacterial growth, thus permitting multiple uses from the same vial under appropriate conditions.

Warnings:

• Not For Direct Intravenous Use: This product must not be administered intravenously without proper dilution with other compatible medications, as it is intended solely as a diluent.
  
• Benzyl Alcohol Warning: The presence of benzyl alcohol can cause serious side effects in certain populations, such as neonates, and should be used cautiously in pregnant women or individuals with known allergies to benzyl alcohol.
  
• Consultation Required: Only use as directed by a healthcare provider and ensure compatibility with the medication to be diluted.
  
• Reuse Limitation: Intended for multiple use by a single individual, ensuring sterility is maintained during each access to the product. Always wipe the rubber stopper with an antiseptic before puncture.
  
• Storage: Maintain in a suitable environment, protecting it from light and freezing. 

Side Effects:

• The solution itself is typically well-tolerated when used as directed for preparation, but side effects can arise from:
  
• Allergic Reactions: Potential hypersensitivity to ingredients, including benzyl alcohol.
  
• Local Reactions: Site irritation could occur if the product is improperly administered.
  
• Systemic Issues: If used in large quantities due to benzyl alcohol, it could cause metabolic complications in vulnerable groups, such as infants ("gasping syndrome").

Always ensure that the product is used in line with medical guidance and drilled protocol to prevent adverse effects connected to its administration.

• What is bacteriostatic sodium chloride used for?

  Bacteriostatic sodium chloride 0.9% for injection is used as a sterile diluent — a vehicle for dissolving or diluting injectable medications before they are administered via intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous (with dilution) routes. It is not a therapeutic drug itself. Common applications include medication reconstitution in clinics and hospitals, botulinum toxin dilution in aesthetic medicine settings, peptide and hormone therapy preparation, and multi-dose drug compounding. It is not for direct undiluted intravenous infusion.

• What is the difference between bacteriostatic saline and normal saline?

  Both bacteriostatic saline and standard normal saline contain 0.9% sodium chloride. The critical difference is the preservative: bacteriostatic sodium chloride contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which inhibits bacterial growth and permits multiple withdrawals from the same vial. Standard normal saline contains no preservative and is a single-dose product — once punctured, it must be used immediately and discarded. Bacteriostatic saline is not approved for direct undiluted IV infusion, while standard normal saline is. The two products are not interchangeable in all clinical applications.

• What is the difference between bacteriostatic water and bacteriostatic saline?

  Bacteriostatic water for injection contains only water and benzyl alcohol — it contains no sodium chloride, making it hypotonic. Bacteriostatic sodium chloride (bacteriostatic saline) contains 0.9% NaCl in addition to benzyl alcohol, making it isotonic. This osmotic difference matters clinically: certain medications require reconstitution in an isotonic solution, and using bacteriostatic water instead of bacteriostatic saline in those cases could cause haemolysis or tissue damage. Always verify the diluent specified by the drug manufacturer.

• Why is bacteriostatic saline used for Botox reconstitution?

  Bacteriostatic saline is preferred for botulinum toxin (Botox) reconstitution in many medspa and aesthetic medicine settings for two reasons. First, the isotonic sodium chloride concentration maintains the stability of the toxin preparation. Second, the 0.9% benzyl alcohol preservative provides a mild local anaesthetic effect at the injection site. Peer-reviewed literature — including Alam et al. (Archives of Dermatology, 1997) — has demonstrated that patients experience significantly less injection discomfort when botulinum toxin is reconstituted with preserved bacteriostatic saline compared to preservative-free normal saline.

• Can bacteriostatic saline be used directly in an IV drip?

  No. Bacteriostatic sodium chloride 0.9% for injection is not indicated for direct, undiluted intravenous infusion. Its intended role is as a diluent — it must be combined with a compatible injectable medication before IV administration. Administering it as a standalone IV solution is outside its approved indication per FDA prescribing information. For IV hydration or IV flush applications, standard preservative-free normal saline should be used.

• Is bacteriostatic saline safe to use in neonates?

  No. Bacteriostatic sodium chloride containing benzyl alcohol is contraindicated in neonates and low-birth-weight infants. The FDA has issued safety communications documenting that benzyl alcohol preservatives have been associated with serious adverse events, including fatal gasping syndrome, in this population. Preservative-free saline must be used when preparing injectable medications for neonatal patients.

• How many doses can be withdrawn from one 20 mL multiple dose vial?

  The number of doses per vial depends on the volume required per preparation. The 20 mL volume supports multiple withdrawals as needed for different dilutions or drug preparations during a session. Each time the vial is accessed, the rubber stopper must be wiped with an appropriate antiseptic agent, and aseptic technique must be maintained throughout. Specific withdrawal limits should follow institutional protocols and the drug manufacturer's reconstitution guidance. Discard the vial if sterility has been compromised or per your facility's multi-dose vial policy.

• Do I need a medical licence to purchase bacteriostatic sodium chloride from Mountainside Medical?

  Yes. Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride 0.9% for Injection is an Rx-only prescription pharmaceutical product. Mountainside Medical requires purchasers to hold a valid medical, pharmacy, or applicable professional licence. Eligible buyers include licensed physicians, clinics, hospitals, EMS teams, medspas, dental practices, and veterinary practices. For questions about licensing requirements or to confirm eligibility, contact the Mountainside Medical sales team at sales@mountainside-medical.com or call +1 (888) 687-4334.