Sterile Water

General Drug Information and Indications

Diluent and vehicle for reconstitution of injectable medications; IV water for injection; wound irrigation. Water for injection, USP. Sterile, non-pyrogenic water free of dissolved salts, gases, and organic matter. Hypotonic (0 mOsm/L). Used for reconstitution of lyophilized drugs, dilution of hypertonic solutions, wound irrigation, and preparation of IV admixtures. Never administer as sole IV fluid — causes hemolysis due to osmotic imbalance. Key information Sterile Water for Injection. Do NOT give undiluted IV (hypotonic — causes hemolysis). Use for reconstitution or wound irrigation only. Single-use. Check label — irrigation vs injection formulation differ.

How to Give this Medication

Reconstitution and dilution: use as diluent per product instructions. Irrigation: flush wound or body cavity using syringe or irrigation bag. Nebulization: add to nebulizer chamber as directed. Do not inject as sole IV fluid. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed This medication is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary staff in a clinical setting. Missed doses are managed by your veterinary team — contact your veterinarian to reschedule.

Side Effects

Hemolysis if administered IV without dilution (hypotonic). Safe as diluent/irrigant. Hypothermia with large-volume cold irrigation. NOT for use as sole IV fluid.

Precautions

For animals Do not administer as sole IV fluid (hypotonic — hemolysis). Safe as diluent and irrigant. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Sterile water — generally safe. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Undiluted sterile water given IV causes hemolysis (red blood cell destruction). Managed by veterinary staff.

Sterile Water dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
STERILE WATER 250ML BOTTLE (ASPEN)——1Commercial
STERILE WATER 1 LITER BOTTLE (VETONE)——1Commercial
STERILE WATER 250ML BOTTLE (VETONE)——1Commercial
STERILE WATER 250ML BOTTLE (COVETRUS)——1Commercial
STERILE WATER 250ML BOTTLE (PHOENIX)——1Commercial
STERILE WATER 3 L BAG IV——1Commercial
STERILE WATER 500 ML BOTTLE IV——1Commercial
STERILE WATER 500ML BOTTLE (COVETRUS)——1Commercial
STERILE WATER 1 LITER BOTTLE (ASPEN)———Commercial
STERILE WATER 1 LITER BOTTLE (VEDCO)——1Commercial
STERILE WATER 1 LITER BOTTLE (NOVA TECH)—Injectable1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)