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
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STERILE WATER 250ML BOTTLE (ASPEN) | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| STERILE WATER 1 LITER BOTTLE (VETONE) | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| STERILE WATER 250ML BOTTLE (VETONE) | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| STERILE WATER 250ML BOTTLE (COVETRUS) | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| STERILE WATER 250ML BOTTLE (PHOENIX) | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| STERILE WATER 3 L BAG IV | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| STERILE WATER 500 ML BOTTLE IV | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| STERILE WATER 500ML BOTTLE (COVETRUS) | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| STERILE WATER 1 LITER BOTTLE (ASPEN) | — | — | — | Commercial |
| STERILE WATER 1 LITER BOTTLE (VEDCO) | — | — | 1 | Commercial |
| STERILE WATER 1 LITER BOTTLE (NOVA TECH) | — | Injectable | 1 | Commercial |
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)