Question 1

What is ipamorelin?

Accepted Answer

Ipamorelin is a research peptide that signals the pituitary to release the body's own growth hormone in natural pulses. It is also called NNC 26-0161. It is the most selective member of the GHRP family — it raises GH without raising cortisol, prolactin, or other stress hormones.

Question 2

What is the starting dose of ipamorelin?

Accepted Answer

The common starting dose in community protocols is 100 mcg per shot, once daily at bedtime, on an empty stomach, for about one week. Most protocols then step up to 200 mcg per shot. For custom vial math, use the Pep Pal calculator .

Question 3

What is the ipamorelin dosage chart by vial size?

Accepted Answer

For a 2 mg vial with 1.0 mL BAC water: 200 mcg = 10 units. For a 5 mg vial with 2.0 mL BAC water: 200 mcg = 8 units. For a 10 mg vial with 3.0 mL BAC water: 200 mcg = 6 units. Units are based on a standard U-100 insulin syringe. See the full reconstitution table on this page.

Question 4

How is ipamorelin reconstituted?

Accepted Answer

Common setups are 1.0 mL BAC water for a 2 mg vial, 2.0 mL BAC water for a 5 mg vial, and 3.0 mL BAC water for a 10 mg vial. Drip the BAC water down the inside wall of the vial. Swirl gently — do not shake. Refrigerate and use within about 28 days.

Question 5

What is ipamorelin's half-life?

Accepted Answer

Ipamorelin has a terminal plasma half-life of about 2 hours in human pharmacokinetic data (Gobburu et al. 1999). GH peaks around 30-40 minutes after the shot and returns to baseline within 2-3 hours.

Question 6

Is ipamorelin FDA-approved?

Accepted Answer

No. Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved for any human use. It reached Phase II clinical trials for postoperative ileus (a gut-recovery condition) and was discontinued after the trial did not show efficacy. Ipamorelin was on the FDA's Category 2 503A compounding list from September 2023 to September 2024, then removed after the nominator withdrew. As of June 2026 it is not Category 1 and is not eligible for 503A compounding. It is also banned under WADA anti-doping rules.

Question 7

What is the ipamorelin dosage for women?

Accepted Answer

Research-community protocols often use 100-200 mcg per shot for women, with the bedtime shot prioritized. The lower end of the dose range is cited for body-size and baseline GH-response reasons. No clinical trial has set a sex-specific dose for ipamorelin. This is not a personal medical recommendation.

Question 8

What is the ipamorelin dosing schedule for beginners?

Accepted Answer

A common beginner schedule is 100 mcg per shot, one shot per day at bedtime, on an empty stomach, for one week. Most protocols then move to 200 mcg per shot in week 2. By week 4, the most common range is 200-300 mcg per shot, one or two times daily. Cycles run 8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off.

Question 9

How is the CJC-1295 + ipamorelin stack dosed?

Accepted Answer

A frequently cited stack uses 100 mcg CJC-1295 (no DAC, also called Mod GRF 1-29) plus 200 mcg ipamorelin together in a single subcutaneous shot at bedtime. The two peptides press different receptors, so the GH pulse is larger than either one alone. See the CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin stack guide for the full protocol.

Question 10

How long is a typical ipamorelin cycle?

Accepted Answer

Most community protocols run 8 to 12 weeks on, then 4 weeks off. Some clinician-guided protocols extend the on-period to week 16. The off-period is intended to keep the GH receptor responsive.

Question 11

What is the maximum daily dose of ipamorelin?

Accepted Answer

Most research protocols cap single shots around 300 mcg because GH release flattens out beyond that point — more dose does not equal more GH pulse. Daily totals up to 900 mcg (300 mcg three times per day) have been used in community protocols, but tolerability and observed effect risk climb at the high end.

Question 12

What are the most common ipamorelin observed effects?

Accepted Answer

The most commonly reported effects are mild headache, light water retention, mild appetite increase, and tingling in the hands or feet. Most fade within the first 1-2 weeks. Unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, ipamorelin did not raise cortisol or prolactin in clinical testing at standard doses.

Question 13

How does ipamorelin compare to CJC-1295?

Accepted Answer

Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are not interchangeable. They work on different receptors. Ipamorelin presses the GHS-R1a (ghrelin) receptor. CJC-1295 presses the GHRH receptor. They are most often used together because pressing both receptors at once produces a larger GH pulse than either one alone.

Question 14

How should reconstituted ipamorelin be stored?

Accepted Answer

Store reconstituted ipamorelin at 36-46F (2-8C), protected from light, and use within about 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles unless freezing in single-use aliquots.

Question 15

Where can I calculate exact syringe units?

Accepted Answer

Use the Pep Pal reconstitution calculator to convert vial size, BAC water volume, and target dose into exact syringe units.

Phase	Daily reference amount	Units / volume
Weeks 1–2	100 mcg	6 units (0.06 mL)
Weeks 3–4	150 mcg	9 units (0.09 mL)
Weeks 5–8	200 mcg	12 units (0.12 mL)
Weeks 9–12	250 mcg	15 units (0.15 mL)

Phase	5 mg 3 mL water	10 mg 3 mL water
Weeks 1–2	6 u 0.06 mL	3 u 0.03 mL
Weeks 3–4	9 u 0.09 mL	5 u 0.05 mL
Weeks 5–8	12 u 0.12 mL	6 u 0.06 mL
Weeks 9–12	15 u 0.15 mL	8 u 0.08 mL

Ipamorelin.

Calculated volume reference

Cited protocol & reconstitution guide

Reconstitution by vial size