Ipamorelin: Dosage & Administration
Part of the Ipamorelin Complete Guide
Ipamorelin (10mg)
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Ipamorelin Dosage Protocols
Ipamorelin is the first identified selective growth hormone secretagogue, originally characterized by Novo Nordisk researchers in 1998.[1] Its defining feature is selectivity — it stimulates GH release through the GHSR-1a receptor without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, ACTH, or appetite (unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6).
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Timing | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standalone (low-end) | 100–200 mcg | 1× daily | Bedtime, fasted | Conservative starting protocol |
| Standalone (standard) | 200–300 mcg | 2–3× daily | Fasted — bedtime primary | Most-published research dose |
| Standalone (higher) | 300–500 mcg | 2–3× daily | Fasted — bedtime primary | Older / more GH-deficient adults |
| With CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) | 200 mcg + 100 mcg CJC | 2–3× daily | Fasted — bedtime primary | Most common research stack |
| Higher CJC stack | 300 mcg + 200 mcg CJC | 2–3× daily | Fasted — bedtime primary | More robust GH amplification |
The CJC-1295 (no DAC, also called Mod GRF 1-29) plus ipamorelin combination is the most common GH peptide stack in research. The GHRH analog (CJC-1295) and ghrelin-receptor agonist (ipamorelin) activate two complementary signaling pathways, producing synergistic GH release 2–3× greater than either alone.[2]
Body Weight Considerations
Ipamorelin's published dosing is not strictly body-weight scaled, but practical adjustments help:
- Under 70 kg (155 lbs): 100–200 mcg per dose typically sufficient
- 70–100 kg (155–220 lbs): 200–300 mcg per dose — standard research range
- Over 100 kg (220 lbs): 300–400 mcg per dose, or 200 mcg three times daily
Unlike hexarelin, ipamorelin does not produce predictable receptor desensitization with chronic use — the same dose remains effective over standard 8–12 week cycles. Going above 500 mcg per dose does not produce meaningful additional GH release; the pituitary's maximum response is achieved at moderate doses.[3]
Reconstitution Math
Ipamorelin typically comes as lyophilized powder in 2 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg vials. Common reconstitutions:
| Vial | BAC water | Concentration | 200 mcg dose | 300 mcg dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mg | 1 mL | 2 mg/mL (2,000 mcg/mL) | 0.1 mL (10 units) | 0.15 mL (15 units) |
| 2 mg | 2 mL | 1 mg/mL | 0.2 mL (20 units) | 0.3 mL (30 units) |
| 5 mg | 2.5 mL | 2 mg/mL | 0.1 mL (10 units) | 0.15 mL (15 units) |
| 5 mg | 5 mL | 1 mg/mL | 0.2 mL (20 units) | 0.3 mL (30 units) |
| 10 mg | 5 mL | 2 mg/mL | 0.1 mL (10 units) | 0.15 mL (15 units) |
Use the peptide calculator for precise volumes for your specific vial. See the reconstitution guide for technique.
Why Fasted Timing Matters
Like all GH secretagogues, ipamorelin's GH-releasing effect is dramatically suppressed by food. The mechanism is well-characterized:
- Carbohydrates and fats raise insulin, which suppresses GH release at the pituitary.
- Elevated postprandial somatostatin further inhibits GH.
- Protein dampens GH less than carbohydrates but still reduces the effect.
Standard rule: no food for at least 2 hours before injection, 30 minutes after.
Optimal dose timing
- Bedtime (most important): at least 2 hours after dinner. Amplifies the largest natural GH pulse during slow-wave sleep.
- Morning fasted: first thing on waking, before breakfast. Reasonable secondary dose.
- Pre-workout fasted: at least 2 hours after the last meal. Pairs with exercise-induced GH pulse.
- Post-workout: if used, fast for at least 30 minutes after dose before refueling.
Cycle Length & Long-Term Use
Ipamorelin's lack of receptor desensitization (unlike hexarelin) means longer cycles are practical:
- Standard cycle: 8–12 weeks on / 4–8 weeks off.
- Extended use: some research protocols run 16+ weeks continuously without diminished response, but most users prefer cycling for monitoring purposes.
- IGF-1 monitoring: for protocols running > 12 weeks, baseline and periodic IGF-1 levels help track response. Sustained IGF-1 elevation > 350 ng/mL warrants dose reduction or break.
The CJC-1295 / ipamorelin stack does not produce desensitization either — but the CJC-1295 DAC version does (different molecule). If using a "stack" that contains DAC, expect the GH response to diminish over time.
Storage
- Lyophilized vials: -20°C long-term, or 2–8°C (refrigerator) for shorter-term storage.
- Reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8°C. Use within 28 days.
- Protect from light in the original packaging or opaque container.
- Avoid freeze-thaw of the reconstituted solution.
See the peptide storage guide for complete guidelines.