Ipamorelin Dosage Calculator

Ipamorelin (NNC-26-0161) is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) belonging to the growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) class, developed by Novo Nordisk in the 1990s. It acts as a selective agonist of the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a) in the pituitary and hypothalamus, stimulating growth hormone release. What distinguishes ipamorelin from earlier GHRPs like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 is its high selectivity: it produces GH release without significantly stimulating cortisol, aldosterone, or prolactin secretion — side effects associated with the earlier generation compounds that limited their research utility.

Ipamorelin's selective profile has made it one of the most studied GHRPs in modern peptide research. In preclinical models, it has demonstrated dose-dependent GH-releasing activity, with a peak GH response occurring approximately 15–25 minutes post-injection in animal studies. It does not cause the pronounced hunger stimulation associated with GHRP-6 (which acts on gastrointestinal ghrelin receptors in addition to pituitary receptors), making it more manageable in controlled research settings.

Ipamorelin binds selectively to the GHSR-1a (ghrelin receptor) expressed on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. Receptor activation triggers calcium ion influx and cAMP-dependent signaling pathways that stimulate GH granule exocytosis — the release of stored GH into the bloodstream. Crucially, ipamorelin does not activate the GHRH receptor; instead, it amplifies GH secretory episodes through the ghrelin/GHSR pathway, which is why combining ipamorelin with a GHRH agonist (such as CJC-1295 or sermorelin) produces synergistic effects — each compound activates a different receptor on the same somatotroph cell.

Ipamorelin also appears to act centrally through GHSR-1a receptors in the hypothalamus, potentially stimulating endogenous GHRH release, compounding the pituitary-direct effect. The selectivity of ipamorelin for pituitary GH release, without meaningful HPA axis activation or prolactin elevation, is the feature most highlighted in the published pharmacology literature.

Ipamorelin lyophilized powder is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for injection. For a 5 mg vial, inject 2 mL of bacteriostatic water against the glass wall of the vial, allow to rest for 60 seconds, then swirl gently until fully dissolved. The solution should be clear and colorless. A 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL gives 2,500 mcg/mL.

A 300 mcg dose requires 0.12 mL (12 IU on a U100 insulin syringe). Because ipamorelin is often co-administered with CJC-1295 without DAC, both peptides can be drawn into the same syringe just before administration — draw ipamorelin first, then the CJC-1295. Use 27–31 gauge insulin syringes for subcutaneous injection. The abdomen is a convenient injection site that allows consistent subcutaneous depth.

Ipamorelin research protocols typically use doses of 200–500 mcg per injection, administered two to three times daily. The most cited schedule in the research literature is 200–300 mcg two to three times daily (morning, around midday, and pre-sleep), to produce multiple GH secretory pulses throughout the day.

The most widely described combination protocol pairs 200–300 mcg of ipamorelin with 100–200 mcg of CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29), injected simultaneously two to three times daily. This combination is considered one of the gold-standard GHRP/GHRH research protocols because of the complementary receptor mechanisms (ghrelin receptor + GHRH receptor) producing synergistic GH pulses approximately three to five times greater than either compound alone.

Alternatively, ipamorelin can be combined with CJC-1295 with DAC (1 mg twice weekly) for sustained background GHRH activity plus ipamorelin-driven GH pulses two to three times daily. Cycle lengths in research contexts are commonly four to eight weeks, followed by a rest period. Using the calculator: a 5 mg vial with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 2,500 mcg/mL. A 200 mcg dose = 0.08 mL (8 IU); a 300 mcg dose = 0.12 mL (12 IU).

Lyophilized ipamorelin powder is stable at refrigerator temperatures (2–8°C) for months when properly sealed and kept away from light. For long-term archival storage, -20°C is recommended. Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water, ipamorelin solution should be stored at 2–8°C and used within 28 days. Ipamorelin is a small, relatively stable pentapeptide and is generally considered to have good solution stability within this window. Label vials with the reconstitution date and discard after 28 days.

Ipamorelin's selective GH-releasing profile with minimal HPA axis stimulation makes it one of the better-tolerated GHRP compounds in preclinical models. In published animal studies and the limited human pharmacology data available, the primary adverse effects are related to GH elevation: water retention, mild joint aches, and transient tingling sensations, particularly at higher doses. Unlike GHRP-6, ipamorelin does not produce significant cortisol or prolactin elevation in animal studies, and the hunger-stimulating effect is considerably less pronounced. No serious adverse events have been reported in animal studies at research-relevant doses. Human clinical safety data is limited; this compound is a research chemical for laboratory investigation only.