Consumer medicine information

What is in this leaflet?

This leaflet answers some of the common questions people ask about WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP. It does not contain all the information that is known about WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have any concerns about being given this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet.

You may need to read it again.

What WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP is for

WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP is sterile water used to dissolve or dilute other drugs.

WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP is sterile water used to clean small wounds or cuts.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor carefully.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

Before you are given WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP

When you must not use it

WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP will only be used if it is clear, colourless and free of particles, the package is undamaged and the use by (expiry) date marked on the pack has not been passed. It must not be injected unless it has been used to dissolve or dilute necessary drugs to be administered by your doctor or nurse.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines including medicines that you buy at the chemist, supermarket or health food shop.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.

If you have not told your doctor about any of these things, tell them before you are given any injection.

How WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP is given

WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP is used to dissolve or dilute other drugs, which may then be injected by your doctor or nurse either into a vein, or into a muscle, or under your skin.

WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP is used to clean away dirt and blood from small wounds or cuts.

Storage

Your doctor or pharmacist will store WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP under the recommended conditions.

It should be kept in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C for 2 and 10 mL glass ampoules and 10 mL plastic Polyamp DuoFit® ampoules. The 5 mL plastic Polyamp DuoFit® ampoules should be stored at a temperature below 25°C.

Disposal

Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will safely dispose of any WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP that is not used.

Product description

WATER FOR INJECTIONS BP is clear, colourless, particle-free, sterile water. It contains no other substances or anti-microbial agents.

Manufacturer

AstraZeneca Pty Ltd
ABN 54 009 682 311
2 - 6 Alma Road
NORTH RYDE NSW 2113

Water for Injections BP 2 mL ampoule AUST R 11994
Water for Injections BP 5 mL ampoule AUST R 48350
Water for Injections BP 10 mL ampoule AUST R 48351

This leaflet was prepared on the 24 July 2003

® Trade Marks herein are the property of the AstraZeneca group

Name of the medicine

Water for Injections BP.

Excipients

Description

Chemical name: hydrogen oxide. Molecular formula: H₂O. MW: 18.02. CAS: 7732-18-5.
Water for Injections BP is a clear, colourless, particle free, odourless and tasteless liquid. It is sterile, with a pH of 5.6-7.7. The water is first distilled and then filtered through two successive presterilised 0.22 micron membrane filters.

Indications

Water for Injections BP is used to dissolve or dilute substances or preparations for parenteral administration.
Water for Injections BP may also be used as an irrigating solution for small wounds or during minor surgical procedures.

Precautions

Consult the product information document for the substance, drug or preparation to be dissolved or diluted, to ensure that Water for Injections BP is the recommended solvent or diluent before dissolving or diluting any substance or preparation. Prior to using Water for Injections BP to dissolve or dilute any substances or preparations, check the compatibility of all additives and drugs.
Before intravenous administration of a solution prepared with Water for Injections BP, ensure that the resultant solution is isotonic with blood.

Use in pregnancy.

Use in lactation.

Adverse Effects

No adverse reactions are known to be associated with Water for Injections BP. There should be no adverse reaction to Water for Injections BP if used as indicated to dissolve compatible substances to form an isotonic solution prior to injection. Injection of Water for Injections BP without the addition of solute may result in cell damage due to hypotonic effects (see Precautions, Overdosage).
The product information of any drug or substance used with water for injections must be consulted before use.

Dosage and Administration

For dissolving or diluting agents for parenteral administration.

For irrigation.

Overdosage

Overdose with small volume presentations of Water for Injections BP is unlikely. If larger volumes of Water for Injections BP are inadvertently injected without first ensuring isotonicity, the hypotonic effects may include local cell damage or haemolysis. Electrolyte abnormalities are possible. The patient should be assessed and treated appropriately.

Presentation

Used to dissolve or dilute other agents for intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.

Glass ampoules*.

Polyethylene plastic Polyamp DuoFit ampoules.

Storage

Glass ampoules (2, 5 and 10 mL).

Polyethylene plastic Polyamp DuoFit (10 mL).

Polyethylene plastic Polyamp DuoFit (5 mL).

Poison Schedule

Unscheduled.