Home Drug Guide Purified Water

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Purified Water

Brand Names Pur-wash

Classification

Therapeutic: Non-medicated solution used for cleansing

Pharmacological: Sterile, deionized or distilled water

FDA Approved Indications

  • Used for rinsing, cleansing, irrigation, and hydration purposes in medical procedures

Mechanism of Action

Provides a sterile, non-physiological aqueous environment for cleaning or irrigation, without pharmacological activity

Dosage and Administration

Adult: As directed for specific cleansing or irrigation procedures by healthcare provider

Pediatric: Use as directed by healthcare provider, considering age and procedure requirements

Geriatric: Same as adults, with attention to individual health status

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; primarily for cleansing, not for systemic administration

Hepatic Impairment: Use as directed for specific procedures; no specific adjustments

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Not applicable; used externally or locally

Distribution: Not applicable; used externally or locally

Metabolism: Not applicable

Excretion: Not applicable

Half Life: Not applicable

Contraindications

  • Not suitable for ingestion or systemic use when contaminated or non-sterile

Precautions

  • Use sterile, properly prepared water to prevent infection or contamination; avoid use in eyes or open wounds if contaminated

Adverse Reactions - Common

N/A

Adverse Reactions - Serious

N/A

Drug-Drug Interactions

N/A

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Ensure water is sterile and uncontaminated before use

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for infection if water is contaminated

Implementation: Use aseptic technique when handling and applying

Evaluation: Monitor for signs of infection or adverse reactions related to contamination

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Ensure water is sterile before use
  • Follow instructions for cleansing or irrigation procedures

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None

Genetic Factors: None

Lab Test Interference: None

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Not applicable; external/local use

Treatment: Not applicable; ensure water sterility to prevent infection

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store in a sterile, sealed container at room temperature

Stability: Stable if unopened and stored properly, used before expiration date

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.