Drug Information for STERILE WATER for Injection, USP (Hospira, Inc.): DESCRIPTION

Sterile Water for Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, solute-free preparation of distilled water for injection. It is for use only as a sterile solvent or diluent vehicle for drugs or solutions suitable for parenteral administration. The pH is 5.5 (5.0 to 7.0).

Sterile Water for Injection contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer and is intended only for single-dose injection after admixture with an appropriate solute or solution. When smaller amounts are required, the unused portion should be discarded.

Sterile Water for Injection is a pharmaceutic aid (vehicle) and parenteral fluid replenisher after addition of an appropriate solute.

Water for Injection, USP is chemically designated H₂O.

The flexible plastic container is fabricated from a specially formulated polyvinylchloride. Water can permeate from inside the container into the overwrap but not in amounts sufficient to affect the solution significantly. Solutions inside the plastic container also can leach out certain chemical components of the plastic in very small amounts before the expiration period is attained. However, the safety of the plastic has been confirmed by tests in animals according to USP biological standards for plastic containers.