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Formula | H2O |
Water for injection is water of extra high quality without significant contamination. [1] A sterile version is used for making solutions that will be given by injection. [2] Before such use other substances generally must be added to make the solution isotonic. [3] Isotonic solutions containing water for injection can be given by injection into a vein, muscle, or under the skin. [4] A non-sterile version may be used in manufacturing with sterilization occurring later in the production process. [5]
The primary use of sterile water for injection is as an ingredient for dilution of other medications ( aseptic preparation of parenteral solutions). [6] If it is given by injection into a vein without making it approximately isotonic, breakdown of red blood cells may occur. [3] This can then result in kidney problems. [3] Excessive amount may also result in fluid overload. [4] Water for injection is generally made by distillation or reverse osmosis. [5] It should contain less than a mg of elements other than water per 100 ml. [5] Versions with agents that stop bacterial growth are also available. [5]
In the UK, some hospitals offer subcutaneous injections of water directly for treating back pain in labour. It is controversial, with some claiming it is pseudoscience. [7] Because sterile water is not isotonic, its injection causes acute pain. [8] One purported mechanism of action is to induce acute local pain to compete directly with diffuse back pain through a mechanism called diffuse noxious inhibitory control; another hypothesis is instead that the acute pain releases endorphins. [8] A review and meta-analysis in 2009 found the benefits of its use inconclusive. [8]
It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. [9] [10] Water for injection is available over the counter in the United States. [3]
Water for injection is also known as aqua ad iniectabilia or aqua ad injectionem.
Clinical data | |
---|---|
AHFS/ Drugs.com | FDA Professional Drug Information |
License data | |
ATC code | |
Identifiers | |
CAS Number | |
ChemSpider | |
UNII | |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | H2O |
Water for injection is water of extra high quality without significant contamination. [1] A sterile version is used for making solutions that will be given by injection. [2] Before such use other substances generally must be added to make the solution isotonic. [3] Isotonic solutions containing water for injection can be given by injection into a vein, muscle, or under the skin. [4] A non-sterile version may be used in manufacturing with sterilization occurring later in the production process. [5]
The primary use of sterile water for injection is as an ingredient for dilution of other medications ( aseptic preparation of parenteral solutions). [6] If it is given by injection into a vein without making it approximately isotonic, breakdown of red blood cells may occur. [3] This can then result in kidney problems. [3] Excessive amount may also result in fluid overload. [4] Water for injection is generally made by distillation or reverse osmosis. [5] It should contain less than a mg of elements other than water per 100 ml. [5] Versions with agents that stop bacterial growth are also available. [5]
In the UK, some hospitals offer subcutaneous injections of water directly for treating back pain in labour. It is controversial, with some claiming it is pseudoscience. [7] Because sterile water is not isotonic, its injection causes acute pain. [8] One purported mechanism of action is to induce acute local pain to compete directly with diffuse back pain through a mechanism called diffuse noxious inhibitory control; another hypothesis is instead that the acute pain releases endorphins. [8] A review and meta-analysis in 2009 found the benefits of its use inconclusive. [8]
It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. [9] [10] Water for injection is available over the counter in the United States. [3]
Water for injection is also known as aqua ad iniectabilia or aqua ad injectionem.