Ipamorelin Dosage Guide: Exact mcg per Injection, Reconstitution Steps and 8-Week Cycle Schedule

See exactly how many micrograms of ipamorelin to draw for your body weight, how to mix a 5 mg vial with bacteriostatic water, and how long to stay on and off each research cycle - all updated for July 2026 regulatory changes.

Reviewed for general education · Updated July 2026 · 11 min read

Most researchers use ipamorelin at 1–2 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram of body weight taken three times daily for 8 weeks, because that range reliably elevates growth hormone (GH) without the prolactin spikes seen with older GHRP peptides. A typical 180-pound (82 kg) subject therefore injects 100–160 mcg per dose, reconstituted from a 5 mg lyophilized vial with bacteriostatic water and delivered subcutaneously using an insulin syringe. After every 8-week on-period, an equal 8-week break is recommended so the GH axis can fully reset.

The commonly referenced research range is 1 mcg/kg to 2 mcg/kg per injection, not to exceed 600 mcg in 24 hours in any published study.
Mixing a 5 mg vial with 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water yields a convenient 2,000 mcg/mL (2 mcg per IU) concentration.
Most protocols limit the active cycle to 8 weeks followed by an 8-week off-period to avoid GH-axis desensitization.
Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved; the October 2024 Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) recommended keeping it off the 503A bulk list pending more safety data (fda.gov).

Bottom line: 1–2 mcg/kg (roughly 100–200 mcg for most adults) injected two to three times a day for 8 weeks, then take the same time off.

Ipamorelin Is a Synthetic GHRP Designed to Pulse Growth Hormone Without Cortisol or Prolactin Spikes

Ipamorelin is a five-amino-acid growth hormone releasing peptide that binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary, prompting a controlled GH surge. Unlike first-generation GHRPs such as GHRP-6, it shows minimal activity at the adrenal cortex, so it does not significantly raise cortisol or prolactin in human or animal studies (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

The compound was investigated in Phase 1 trials in the late 1990s but never advanced to FDA approval. Today it is sold strictly as a research-use-only peptide and is not eligible for routine 503A compounding.

Ipamorelin Stimulates the Ghrelin Receptor, Creating a Short GH Pulse

After subcutaneous or intravenous administration, ipamorelin reaches peak plasma levels in roughly 30 minutes and is cleared with a 2-hour terminal half-life (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). The brief residence time means each dose creates a discrete GH pulse rather than constant stimulation.

Synergy with endogenous GHRH: The peptide works best when natural growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) is also present, which is why night-time dosing, when GHRH naturally peaks, is common.

Exact Weight-Based Dosing Chart

Most protocols anchor the dose at 1–2 mcg per kilogram (kg) of body weight per injection. The table below translates that into microgram and insulin-unit values for common weight ranges.

Body weight (lb)	Body weight (kg)	Low dose 1 mcg/kg (mcg)	High dose 2 mcg/kg (mcg)	Volume if 2,000 mcg/mL (IU)
120	54	55	110	2.5–5 IU
150	68	70	136	3.5–7 IU
180	82	82	164	4–8 IU
210	95	95	190	4.5–9.5 IU
240	109	110	218	5.5–11 IU
270	123	123	246	6–12.5 IU

💡 Tip on split injections

If you target the high end of the range, divide the total daily dose into two or three equal injections taken 4–6 hours apart to mimic physiologic GH pulses.

How to Reconstitute a 5 mg Ipamorelin Vial in 3 Minutes

You need only a sterile insulin syringe, bacteriostatic water and an alcohol swab. The simple mixing math is below.

Water volume	Resulting concentration	Micrograms per IU	IU per 100 mcg dose
1 mL	5,000 mcg/mL	5 mcg	20 IU
2 mL	2,500 mcg/mL	2.5 mcg	40 IU
2.5 mL (most popular)	2,000 mcg/mL	2 mcg	50 IU
3 mL	1,667 mcg/mL	1.67 mcg	60 IU

Step-by-step:

Swab the vial stopper and the bacteriostatic water cap.
Draw the chosen water volume slowly to minimize bubbles.
Angle the needle against the glass wall, inject water gently, and rotate the vial until the powder dissolves - do not shake.
Note the new concentration and store the vial in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.

Injection Frequency and the Classic 8-Week Cycle

Because ipamorelin clears in roughly 2 hours, most protocols call for two or three daily injections spaced evenly.

Standard timing: first thing in the morning, 30 minutes before workout, and right before bed. The pre-bed dose lines up with the largest physiologic GH pulse.

Week	Dose pattern	Total weekly micrograms (180 lb subject at 100 mcg/dose)
1	2× daily	1,400
2-8	3× daily	2,100

After 8 weeks, taper to one injection daily for 3 days, then discontinue completely.

An Equal Time Off Lets GH Receptors Reset

Growth hormone secretagogue receptors can down-regulate if stimulated continuously. An 8-week off-period gives the axis time to normalize, according to endocrinology bench research on similar peptides.

Practical rotation: eight weeks on, eight weeks off, then reevaluate IGF-1 labs if you have a cooperating physician.

Safety, Side Effects, and Drug Testing

Ipamorelin’s side-effect profile looks milder than older GHRPs in small human trials, but real-world reports and Phase 2 gastrointestinal studies still note water retention, temporary numb fingertips, and transient hunger spikes (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

Potential interactions: Combining ipamorelin with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may slightly prolong its half-life, but no drug–drug study has been published.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lists ipamorelin as a prohibited substance under S2 Peptide Hormones.

Is your protocol within the low-risk research window?

Check the column that fits your situation:

✅ Likely Safe to Proceed

Total daily dose under 300 mcg
Fasting blood glucose stays normal
No tingling or edema after first week
You have sterile 31-gauge insulin syringes

🏥 Pause and Consult a Doctor

Fasting glucose rises above 126 mg/dL
Persistent hand or ankle swelling
New joint pain or carpal tunnel symptoms
IGF-1 exceeds age-adjusted upper limit
You take corticosteroids or hormone therapy
You compete in WADA-tested sports

Ipamorelin Remains Off the FDA 503A Bulk List as of July 2026

The October 29 2024 PCAC meeting reviewed ipamorelin and recommended against adding it to the 503A bulks list because human safety data are still limited (fda.gov). That recommendation stands today: pharmacies cannot legally compound patient-specific ipamorelin prescriptions in the United States.

Importing ipamorelin finished dosage forms for human use also violates the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Only verified research entities with Institutional Review Board oversight can legally acquire it.

🚨 When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

Severe edema, especially around the ankles or face, as it can signal fluid overload or heart strain.
Numbness or tingling in hands that worsens over several days, possible early carpal tunnel syndrome.
Sharp abdominal pain, which may indicate pancreatitis or gallbladder irritation.
Fasting blood glucose above 126 mg/dL on two separate readings, a diabetes threshold.
Shortness of breath or unexplained fatigue, potential cardiac effects.
Changes in vision such as blurred or double vision.
Mood swings or anxiety that interfere with daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine ipamorelin with Wegovy or other GLP-1 drugs?

There is no published human data on concomitant use. Because GLP-1 agonists already slow gastric emptying, adding ipamorelin (which may increase GI motility in some contexts) could create unpredictable effects. Discuss any combination with a licensed provider.

Is one large daily dose as effective as three smaller doses?

No. Ipamorelin’s 2-hour half-life means a single daily dose delivers only a brief GH pulse. Splitting into two or three injections sustains physiologic GH exposure over the day.

Do I need an anti-prolactin adjunct like cabergoline?

Ipamorelin does not significantly raise prolactin in published studies, so cabergoline is usually unnecessary unless labs show an elevation.

How long does mixed ipamorelin stay potent in the fridge?

When reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and kept at 36–46 °F (2–8 °C), potency remains above 90 percent for 30 days according to manufacturer stability data.

Does ipamorelin appear on a standard urine drug test?

No. Routine employment panels do not test for peptides. However, WADA and many athletic commissions use blood tests that can detect ipamorelin metabolites.

What insulin syringe size is best?

A 31-gauge, 6 mm insulin syringe minimizes injection pain and works well for subcutaneous delivery. See our guide to needle sizes for details.

Will stopping ipamorelin suddenly crash my natural GH?

The peptide leaves the system within about 10 hours. Endogenous GH rhythm resumes quickly; no taper is required beyond the short three-day step-down listed above.