Hexarelin Dosage Calculator

Hexarelin (examorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide (His-D-2-MeTrp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) belonging to the growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) family, developed in Italy in the early 1990s as part of research programs into synthetic GH secretagogues. It is a potent agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR-1a, the ghrelin receptor) and produces GH release via both direct pituitary somatotroph stimulation and central hypothalamic amplification of GHRH release.

Hexarelin is notable within the GHRP class for being one of the most potent GH-releasing compounds per dose, with studies documenting it produces larger GH pulses than GHRP-2, GHRP-6, or ipamorelin at equivalent molar doses in head-to-head animal comparisons. However, this potency comes with a corresponding side-effect profile: hexarelin strongly stimulates cortisol and prolactin secretion in clinical studies — a property that distinguishes it from the more selective ipamorelin. It has also attracted independent research interest for its cardioprotective properties through a separate receptor pathway involving CD36 (a scavenger receptor expressed in cardiac tissue), which is distinct from the GH-releasing GHSR-1a pathway.

Hexarelin activates GHSR-1a receptors in the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus, stimulating GH secretion through the same ghrelin-mimetic mechanism shared by all GHRPs. Unlike the more selective compounds in this class, hexarelin's potency and side-effect profile suggest broader receptor engagement or higher intrinsic efficacy at the GHSR-1a. In the pituitary, GHSR-1a activation triggers calcium influx and cAMP signaling that drives GH exocytosis. In the hypothalamus, hexarelin also stimulates the release of endogenous GHRH, amplifying the pituitary signal.

Hexarelin additionally binds to CD36, a scavenger receptor expressed in cardiac tissue, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Through CD36-mediated signaling pathways (distinct from the GH axis), hexarelin has been shown in preclinical studies to reduce myocardial cell death following ischemic injury, attenuate cardiac fibrosis, and improve contractile function after experimental heart failure — effects that persist even in GH-deficient animals, suggesting they are GH-independent. This cardiac research direction has positioned hexarelin as a compound of interest in cardiac repair biology separate from its GH-releasing properties.

Hexarelin lyophilized powder is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for injection. For a 5 mg vial, inject 2 mL of bacteriostatic water slowly against the inner glass wall. Allow 60 seconds of resting time, then gently swirl until completely dissolved. The solution should be clear and colorless. Do not shake.

A 5 mg vial with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 2,500 mcg/mL. A 200 mcg dose requires 0.08 mL (8 IU on a U100 syringe). A 100 mcg dose requires just 0.04 mL (4 IU). Because hexarelin doses are small, precision in drawing the syringe is important — ensure the plunger is set accurately to the correct IU mark. Use 27–31 gauge insulin syringes for subcutaneous injection. Administer on an empty stomach for maximum GH response.

Hexarelin clinical research has used doses ranging from 1 mcg/kg to 2 mcg/kg body weight in intravenous and subcutaneous administration studies, corresponding to 70–140 mcg for a 70 kg subject. Some published protocols used single doses up to 200 mcg subcutaneously in adult subjects without serious adverse events. In GH stimulation diagnostic testing studies, intravenous hexarelin at 2 mcg/kg produced a robust GH pulse with higher amplitude than ITT (insulin tolerance test) in several head-to-head comparison studies.

For research protocols aimed at GH pulse induction, hexarelin is typically used at doses of 100–200 mcg, two to three times daily on an empty stomach, consistent with protocols used for other GHRP compounds. It is commonly combined with a GHRH analog (CJC-1295 without DAC or sermorelin) for synergistic GH release, using the same dosing framework as the ipamorelin/CJC-1295 combination.

Due to the documented cortisol and prolactin stimulation, prolonged continuous use protocols are less common in research than for selective GHRPs. Cycle lengths of four to eight weeks are most typical. Using the calculator: a 5 mg vial with 2 mL gives 2,500 mcg/mL. A 200 mcg dose = 0.08 mL (8 IU); a 100 mcg dose = 0.04 mL (4 IU).

Lyophilized hexarelin powder should be stored at 2–8°C in the refrigerator and protected from light. For long-term archival storage, -20°C is suitable. Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water, store the solution at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Hexarelin is a small hexapeptide with good solution stability at refrigerator temperatures; degradation is primarily driven by temperature extremes and oxidative stress rather than inherent instability. Label vials with the reconstitution date and inspect the solution for clarity before each use.

In clinical studies, hexarelin produced dose-dependent increases in GH, but also significantly elevated cortisol and prolactin — the latter two being side effects that limit its appeal relative to selective GHRPs like ipamorelin. Cortisol elevation, particularly with repeated high-frequency dosing, may adversely affect immune function, bone density, and metabolic parameters with prolonged exposure. Prolactin elevation is a theoretical concern for reproductive health. GH-related side effects (water retention, joint aches, insulin resistance) apply at high cumulative doses, as with other secretagogues. Transient flushing and tingling related to GH pulse induction are common. For cardiac research applications, no serious adverse events related to the CD36 mechanism have been identified in preclinical literature. This is a research chemical for laboratory investigation only.