Ipamorelin (5mg)
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that acts as a selective growth hormone secretagogue by mimicking ghrelin at the GH secretagogue receptor. Its key advantage is its high specificity for GH release without activating ACTH or cortisol, making it one of the safest GH secretagogues with minimal off-target hormonal effects. This protocol outlines a daily subcutaneous approach.
Reviewed by the AllPeptides.eu Editorial Team·Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
⚠️ For informational/educational purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell any products. Self-treatment carries serious risks — consult a healthcare professional. Disclaimer
Research monograph
See the full Ipamorelin encyclopedia page with mechanism, evidence tier, related variants and research context.
How It Works
Ipamorelin binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a) and stimulates the pituitary gland to release endogenous growth hormone in a pulsatile manner. Unlike older GH-releasing peptides, it is highly selective and does not significantly stimulate ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin at effective doses. After subcutaneous injection, GH levels peak in ~40 minutes and return to baseline in 2–3 hours. This short-term pulsatile action makes it suitable for daily administration. Animal studies have shown that even chronic daily exposure did not desensitize GH release mechanisms. Ipamorelin has also demonstrated prokinetic effects on the gastrointestinal system.
Quick Start
- Reconstitution: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~1.67 mg/mL concentration.
- Typical Daily Range: 100–250 mcg once daily (gradual titration).
- Storage: Lyophilized: 2–8 °C or freezer at −20 °C; after reconstitution, refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within ~4 weeks.
Typical / Gradual Approach (3.0 mL = ~1.67 mg/mL)
Route: Subcutaneously | Frequency: Once daily
| Week | Dose | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
Studies report administration once daily subcutaneously, ideally 30–60 minutes before bed on an empty stomach to synergize with the natural nightly GH pulse.
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly against the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/rotate until dissolved (do not shake vigorously).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protecting from light.
Protocol Overview
- Objective: Stimulate endogenous growth hormone release to support anabolic processes for muscle growth, fat metabolism, and tissue repair.
- Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks (extendable to 16), followed by a 2–4 week break.
- Storage: Lyophilized refrigerated or frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; use within ~4 weeks.
Dosing Protocol
- Start: 100 mcg daily; increase by ~50 mcg every 1–2 weeks.
- Target: 200–250 mcg daily by Weeks 5–12.
- Frequency: Once daily (subcutaneously), ideally 30–60 minutes before bed.
- Cycle Duration: 8–12 weeks; optional extension to 16, followed by 2–4 weeks off-cycle.
- Break between cycles: After a cycle, a 4–8 week break is recommended before repeating. The break prevents GHSR receptor desensitization and allows for endogenous GH recovery.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
After a cycle, a 4–8 week break is recommended before repeating. The break prevents GHSR receptor desensitization and allows for endogenous GH recovery.
Minimum wait period: 4 weeks
Storage Instructions
- Lyophilized: Store at 2–8 °C short-term or −20 °C long-term in dry, dark conditions.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C; use within ~4 weeks. For longer storage, freeze aliquots; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening.
Important Notes
- Ipamorelin has a short half-life (~1.5–2.5 hours); consistent daily timing maximizes results.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- Supports increased lean body mass and improvements in recovery via GH anabolic processes.
- Enhances fat metabolism and supports favorable body composition changes.
- High selectivity for GH with minimal impact on other hormones (ACTH, cortisol, prolactin).
- May support improved gastric motility and digestive function.
- Generally well-tolerated with a low incidence of side effects at typical doses.
Potential Side Effects:
- Occasional mild injection site reactions (redness, swelling).
- Rare reports of fluid retention or increased hunger.
⚠️ Serious Warnings & Long-Term Risks
The following warnings are based on published literature, FDA labels, and post-marketing surveillance. They do not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Theoretical risk (GH/IGF-1 elevation)
As a GHS, increases GH. Theoretical risk for pre-existing neoplasms due to IGF-1 elevation. No clinical signal in short-term studies.
📄 Growth Horm IGF Res 2008References
- Translational Andrology & Urology (PMC, 2020) — GH secretagogues in body composition management
View Source - European J. Endocrinology (1998) — Ipamorelin — the first selective GH secretagogue
View Source - Pharmaceutical Research (1999) — PK/PD modeling of ipamorelin in volunteers (Phase I)
View Source - European J. Anatomy (2002) — Chronic ipamorelin administration: no GH desensitization
View Source - Int. J. Colorectal Disease (2014) — Phase II clinical trial of ipamorelin for postoperative ileus
View Source
Recommended Supplements
L-Arginine + L-Ornithine
ZMA (Zinc + Magnesium + B6)
External Sources & Regulatory Status
Regulatory Approvals
Postoperative ileus
Phase II (development discontinued)
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
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