Sterile Water

What is this medication? Sterile water for injection is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid that is used as a solvent or diluent for other medications. It is specifically processed to ensure it is free of bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as fever-inducing substances called pyrogens. Healthcare providers use it to dissolve or dilute drugs that need to be administered through various routes such as intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection. Because it contains no antimicrobial agents or added buffers, it is intended for single-use applications to prepare a solution for immediate delivery to a patient.

It is important to note that sterile water should never be injected directly into a patient without first mixing it with a medication to make the solution isotonic. Injecting pure sterile water can cause red blood cells to burst, a serious condition known as hemolysis. In clinical settings, it may also be used for non-injection purposes such as irrigating wounds, cleaning medical equipment, or filling humidifiers for respiratory treatments. The specific use depends on the packaging and label instructions, as different versions are designed for either injection or topical irrigation.