Ipamorelin

Quickstart highlights

Dosing & reconstitution guide

Standard protocol (2 mL = 2,5 mg/mL)

A 5 mg vial dissolved in 2 mL bacteriostatic water gives a concentration of 2,5 mg/mL. Calculate your own dilution →

Reconstitution steps

1. Let the vial reach room temperature and wash your hands.
2. Disinfect both rubber stoppers with an alcohol swab.
3. Draw up 2 mL of bacteriostatic water.
4. Inject the water slowly down the glass wall, not directly onto the powder.
5. Swirl gently until clear — never shake.
6. Label the vial with date and concentration and refrigerate.

Supplies needed

• Ipamorelin vial (5 mg)
• Bacteriostatic water
• Mixing syringe (1–3 mL) and U-100 insulin syringes
• Alcohol swabs and sharps container

Protocol overview

Dosing protocol in research

Values as described in literature and research protocols; not dosing advice.

Storage instructions

• Lyophilised (powder): cool, dry and dark; long-term at −20 °C.
• After reconstitution: refrigerator at 2–8 °C, use within ~4 weeks.
• Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.

Important notes

How this works

Ipamorelin is a synthetic five-amino-acid peptide that mimics the action of ghrelin. Scientists study this molecule for its ability to promote growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. It is frequently preferred in research over other GHRPs due to its high degree of selectivity.

This peptide binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a) in the brain. Following subcutaneous administration, growth hormone levels peak after approximately 40 minutes, returning to baseline within three hours. The half-life is between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. Unlike older variants such as GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, studies show ipamorelin has minimal impact on other hormones like cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin. Animal trials suggest that receptor sensitivity is maintained even with daily exposure.

Research into ipamorelin focuses on muscle preservation, fat metabolism, and bone density. Beyond hormonal effects, the peptide has been clinically studied for treating postoperative ileus, where it accelerated gastric motility. The compound is currently not approved for medical use by agencies like the EMA or FDA. Because it stimulates growth hormone release, it is included on the WADA prohibited list.

Potential benefits & side effects

Effects described in research

• Pulsatile GH release
• Possibly improved sleep quality
• Support for recovery and body composition

Common side effects

• Temporary water retention
• Tingling or numbness in the hands
• Injection-site redness
• Headache
• Mild increase in appetite

In clinical settings, headache, mild dizziness, and redness at the injection site have been reported. Some subjects experience temporary water retention or tingling in the extremities. As long-term human studies are lacking, the effects of chronic use in healthy individuals remain unknown.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active or prior cancer
• Under 18 years of age
• Uncontrolled diabetes

Lifestyle factors

• Administration on an empty stomach (2 h after / 30 min before food) is most often described.
• Carbohydrates and fat around administration blunt the GH pulse.
• Adequate sleep supports natural nocturnal GH release.

Injection technique

• Choose a site with subcutaneous fat: abdomen (5 cm from the navel), thigh or back of upper arm.
• Disinfect, pinch a skin fold and insert at a 45–90° angle.
• Inject slowly, wait 5 seconds and withdraw.
• Rotate sites and use each needle once.

Recommended source

Quality varies widely between suppliers. Look for an independent HPLC/MS lab report per batch, purity ≥ 98% and clear storage and shipping conditions.

As a reference we use the Ipamorelin from PeptideWinkel, which publishes lab reports per batch.

Frequently asked questions