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Quick answer: Pfizer Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic water preparation containing benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic preservative and supplied in a multiple-dose container. Pfizer lists a 30 mL plastic vial containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol and a 20 mL fill in a 30 mL glass vial containing 1.1% benzyl alcohol. Always verify the exact label, concentration, package and storage instructions for the product in hand.
Research-use notice: Red Leaf Research Labs provides this page for qualified laboratory and procurement personnel. It does not provide personal dosing, mixing, injection or treatment instructions. Products sold for research are not for human or veterinary use.
Canadian researchers can view current availability for Pfizer Bacteriostatic Water 30 mL from Red Leaf Research Labs.
What is Pfizer bacteriostatic water?
Pfizer Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP is sterile water with benzyl alcohol added as a preservative. The preservative is what distinguishes bacteriostatic water from preservative-free sterile water. Pfizer’s official information describes the product as a multiple-dose container from which repeated withdrawals may be made when it is used according to the applicable product and drug-manufacturer directions.
The product is distributed under the Hospira name, which is why buyers may search for Pfizer bacteriostatic water, Hospira bacteriostatic water, Pfizer Hospira bacteriostatic water or Pfizer bac water. These search terms may refer to different packages, so researchers should rely on the vial label and manufacturer documentation rather than the informal name alone.
Pfizer bacteriostatic water specifications
| Specification | Pfizer product information |
|---|---|
| Product name | Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP |
| Preparation | Sterile, nonpyrogenic water for injection with benzyl alcohol preservative |
| Common plastic vial | 30 mL multiple-dose vial |
| Preservative in 30 mL plastic vial | 0.9% benzyl alcohol, equivalent to 9 mg/mL |
| Alternative glass presentation | 20 mL fill in a 30 mL multiple-dose glass vial |
| Preservative in listed glass presentation | 1.1% benzyl alcohol, equivalent to 11 mg/mL |
| Listed pH range | 4.5 to 7.0, with a stated pH of 5.7 |
| Manufacturer/distributor reference | Hospira, a Pfizer company |
| Storage in Pfizer’s US information | 20°C to 25°C; confirm the label for the exact product supplied |
These details summarize Pfizer’s published US product information and should not replace the package label. Packaging, market authorization and availability can vary by jurisdiction and supply channel. Review the official Pfizer product information and confirm the exact vial before procurement or laboratory use.
Pfizer bacteriostatic water 30 mL
The 30 mL plastic flip-top vial is the presentation most often associated with searches for “Pfizer bacteriostatic water 30 mL.” Pfizer identifies it as a multiple-dose vial containing 9 mg/mL, or 0.9%, benzyl alcohol. The vial’s total volume, preservative concentration, container type and lot details should all match the procurement record.
Do not assume that every vial carrying a similar name has the same concentration or fill volume. Pfizer also lists a glass presentation with a different fill and preservative concentration. A laboratory receiving workflow should record the exact NDC or product identifier, vial type, labelled volume, concentration, lot number and expiry date.
Bacteriostatic water versus sterile water
| Feature | Bacteriostatic water | Preservative-free sterile water |
|---|---|---|
| Preservative | Contains benzyl alcohol | Contains no bacteriostat or antimicrobial preservative |
| Container concept | Typically labelled as multiple-dose | Typically supplied in single-dose containers |
| Interchangeable? | No. Use only the diluent specified by the applicable manufacturer documentation and approved protocol. | |
| Key review point | Confirm preservative concentration and warnings | Confirm single-dose handling and absence of preservative |
The two products are not interchangeable merely because both are clear sterile water preparations. Compatibility depends on the material being prepared and the manufacturer’s instructions. Qualified personnel should review the exact protocol, label and institutional requirements.
Important safety and label warnings
Pfizer’s prescribing information contains important warnings that should remain visible in any accurate product summary:
- Not for use in neonates: Pfizer warns that benzyl alcohol has been associated with toxicity in neonates.
- Not for direct intravenous administration without a solute: the label warns that doing so may result in hemolysis.
- Not for fluid replacement: parenteral preparations containing benzyl alcohol should not be used for this purpose.
- Not for epidural or spinal anesthesia procedures: Pfizer lists this as a restriction for products containing benzyl alcohol.
- Use only with compatible materials: the instructions for the product being diluted or dissolved determine the appropriate vehicle, volume and procedure.
This page intentionally does not convert those warnings into personal-use instructions. Medical decisions belong with authorized healthcare professionals using regulated products and the applicable Canadian product information.
How laboratories should evaluate a vial before use
A documented receiving check helps maintain traceability and prevents a similarly named product from entering the wrong workflow.
- Confirm identity: match the full product name, manufacturer, container and concentration to the purchase record.
- Inspect the seal and vial: isolate a package that is open, cracked, leaking or visibly damaged.
- Record traceability data: capture the lot number, expiry date, labelled volume and product identifier.
- Review the solution: follow the label and laboratory SOP if the appearance is unusual or particulates are visible.
- Verify storage history: compare transit and storage conditions with the labelled requirements.
- Confirm protocol compatibility: do not substitute diluents based on name similarity or convenience.
- Retain documentation: keep the invoice, label details and relevant manufacturer information with the study record.
Storage and handling
Pfizer’s US information lists controlled room temperature storage at 20°C to 25°C for the referenced presentations. The exact product label remains authoritative for the vial received. Laboratories should document storage conditions, protect the container from avoidable damage and follow established aseptic procedures for any permitted entry and withdrawal.
Do not rely on a blog post to establish beyond-use timing or compatibility. Those decisions depend on the product label, the material being prepared, the laboratory protocol and professional review. If packaging, appearance or storage history is uncertain, isolate the vial and contact the manufacturer or supplier before proceeding.
How to spot product and listing problems
Authentic-looking packaging alone is not a complete procurement check. Pause and investigate if:
- the listing omits the manufacturer or exact vial size;
- the label and product page show different concentrations;
- the lot number or expiry date is missing or unreadable;
- the flip-top seal or outer packaging appears disturbed;
- the seller uses a stock photo but cannot confirm the supplied presentation;
- the product is marketed with unsupported treatment or performance claims;
- the seller provides personal dosing or injection instructions for research materials; or
- pricing is implausibly low and the supply chain cannot be explained.
Buying Pfizer bacteriostatic water in Canada
Canadian laboratories should compare more than price. Verify the exact Pfizer/Hospira presentation, current inventory, package condition, traceability, shipping terms and issue-resolution policy. For research procurement, Red Leaf Research Labs offers a dedicated Pfizer Bacteriostatic Water 30 mL product page with Canadian inventory information.
Before ordering, confirm that the product fits the laboratory’s approved protocol and procurement rules. Availability can change, so the live product page should be checked for current stock, price and shipping information. Researchers can also browse the broader Red Leaf laboratory catalogue.
Why source from Red Leaf Research Labs?
Red Leaf Research Labs supports Canadian research customers with domestic inventory, direct product listings and Canada-focused order fulfilment. The product page clearly identifies the 30 mL presentation and maintains a research-only boundary.
- Canadian inventory and domestic shipping information
- Direct access to the current product listing
- Clear Pfizer/Hospira brand and vial-size identification
- Research-use-only positioning
- Order support for Canadian laboratory customers
Red Leaf is not a pharmacy or medical provider. Research products are not offered for personal administration, diagnosis, treatment or disease prevention.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pfizer bacteriostatic water?
It is sterile, nonpyrogenic water for injection containing benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic preservative. Pfizer supplies it in multiple-dose containers.
How much benzyl alcohol is in Pfizer bacteriostatic water?
Pfizer lists a 30 mL plastic vial containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, or 9 mg/mL, and a 20 mL fill in a 30 mL glass vial containing 1.1%, or 11 mg/mL. Check the exact vial label.
Is Pfizer bacteriostatic water the same as Hospira bacteriostatic water?
Hospira is the Pfizer-associated distributor/manufacturer name shown on product information, so the terms are often used for the same product family. The exact presentation still needs to be verified.
Is bacteriostatic water the same as sterile water?
No. Bacteriostatic water contains a preservative, while preservative-free sterile water does not. They should not be treated as interchangeable.
What size is Pfizer bacteriostatic water?
A commonly listed presentation is a 30 mL multiple-dose plastic vial. Pfizer also lists a 20 mL fill in a 30 mL glass vial.
How should Pfizer bacteriostatic water be stored?
Pfizer’s US information lists 20°C to 25°C for the referenced products. Follow the label for the exact vial and document storage conditions under the laboratory SOP.
Can Pfizer bacteriostatic water be used in neonates?
No. Pfizer’s label prominently warns that the product is not for use in neonates because of the benzyl alcohol preservative.
Can bacteriostatic water be injected by itself?
Pfizer warns against intravenous administration without a solute because it may cause hemolysis. This page does not provide administration instructions.
Can it be used to reconstitute any peptide or drug?
No. Compatibility must be established by the manufacturer instructions for the specific material and an approved professional or laboratory protocol.
How can I verify a Pfizer bacteriostatic water vial?
Check the full product name, manufacturer, concentration, vial size, product identifier, lot number, expiry date, seal and package condition against procurement records.
Where can Canadian researchers buy Pfizer bacteriostatic water?
Qualified Canadian researchers can review current stock on the Red Leaf Research Labs product page. Confirm the exact presentation and laboratory requirements before ordering.
Is this page medical advice?
No. It is a product-information and research-procurement guide. It does not replace manufacturer labelling, professional medical judgment or institutional procedures.
Bottom line
Pfizer Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP is a preserved, multiple-dose sterile water product. The commonly searched 30 mL plastic vial contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol, but Pfizer also lists another presentation with a different fill and concentration. Accurate procurement therefore depends on verifying the exact label rather than relying on the phrase “Pfizer bac water.”
For Canadian laboratory procurement, review current availability for Pfizer Bacteriostatic Water 30 mL at Red Leaf Research Labs. Research-use products are not for human or veterinary use.
