SWFI
Medical abbreviation · Pharmacy
| Stands for | Sterile water for injection |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
SWFI stands for Sterile water for injection, a pharmacy abbreviation.
Pure, sterile, nonpyrogenic water without additives, used to reconstitute powdered drugs and as a diluent. It is hypotonic and must not be infused directly into a vein in large volumes because it destroys red blood cells.
Example: Reconstitute ceftriaxone 1 g vial with 9.6 mL SWFI for IV use.
Usage notes
ISMP has reported cases of hemolysis and death after 1,000 mL bags of sterile water intended for inhalation or irrigation were hung as IV fluids. Bacteriostatic water, which contains benzyl alcohol, must not be used in neonates because of the risk of "gasping syndrome".
Related abbreviations
More pharmacy abbreviations
- SP – Specialty pharmacy
- SR – Sustained release
- SS – Single strength
- ST – Step therapy
- supp – Suppository
- susp – Suspension
- syr – Syrup
- tab – Tablet
- TNA – Total nutrient admixture
- TPN – Total parenteral nutrition
- U&C – Usual and customary price
- UD – Unit dose
See all 134 pharmacy abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.