Indications
Water for Injection is water of exceptionally high purity, free of significant contamination. The sterile form is used to prepare solutions intended for injection. Before such use, other substances usually need to be added so that the solution is approximately isotonic. The prepared solution may be given by injection into a vein, into a muscle, or under the skin. A non-sterile form may be used during manufacturing, with sterilization carried out at a later stage of the production process.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Water for injection given intravenously without adjusting its tonicity may cause red blood cells to break down, which can in turn lead to kidney problems. Giving too much can also cause fluid overload. Water for injection is generally produced by distillation or reverse osmosis and should contain less than a milligram of elements other than water per 100 ml. Versions containing agents that inhibit bacterial growth are also available.