Water for injection

Water for Injection (WFI) is a type of sterile water used in the pharmaceutical industry for the preparation of medications intended for intravenous administration. It is produced by distillation or reverse osmosis and must meet certain microbiological and chemical standards to ensure it is safe for use.

Production

Water for injection is produced by either distillation or reverse osis. In the distillation process, water is heated until it becomes steam. The steam is then cooled and condensed back into water, effectively removing any impurities. In reverse osmosis, water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane, which filters out impurities.

Uses

Water for injection is used in the preparation of parenteral solutions, such as intravenous fluids, vaccines, and medications. It is also used to reconstitute lyophilized drugs, and as a diluent in ampoules of medication.

Standards

Water for injection must meet certain standards set by regulatory bodies such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the European Pharmacopoeia (EP). These standards include limits on the number of microorganisms that can be present, as well as limits on the concentration of certain chemicals.

Safety

The production of water for injection is strictly regulated to ensure safety. The water must be free from toxins, pathogens, and pyrogens (substances that can cause fever). It must also be stored and transported in a way that prevents contamination.

See Also

• Sterile water
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Intravenous therapy
• Distillation
• Reverse osmosis