Peptide Schedule

Ipamorelin

Growth HormoneInjectionResearchGrade A~2 hours half-life
GHRPGrowth HormoneGH SecretagogueGhrelin Receptor AgonistAnti-Aging12 weeks on / 4 weeks off

Benefits

Cleanest GHRP — minimal side effects
No significant hunger increase
No cortisol or prolactin spikes
Great for beginners
Synergistic with CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Half-Life
~2 hours
Route
Injection
Frequency
Daily
Vial Sizes
2mg, 5mg
BAC Water
2mL
Safety Grade
Grade A
Open Ipamorelin Dosage Calculator
Calculate exact syringe units for your vial and dose

About Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin is the cleanest and most selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP). Unlike GHRP-6 or GHRP-2, it triggers GH release without significantly raising cortisol, prolactin, or appetite. This makes it ideal for beginners and for long-term use. Most commonly paired with CJC-1295 (No DAC) for synergistic, natural GH pulsing.

Who Should Consider Ipamorelin

  • Adults seeking natural growth hormone optimization without appetite increase
  • Beginners to GH peptide therapy looking for the mildest side-effect profile
  • Athletes and active adults focused on recovery and lean body composition
  • Older adults with age-related GH decline seeking improved sleep and recovery
  • Individuals stacking with CJC-1295 (No DAC) for pulsatile GH release

How Ipamorelin Works

Ipamorelin selectively binds to the ghrelin/GHS receptor on pituitary cells, triggering a clean growth hormone pulse. Unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, it does not significantly activate cortisol, prolactin, or appetite pathways. This selectivity makes it the preferred GHRP for long-term use with minimal side effects.

What to Expect

Weeks 1-2

Improved sleep quality and deeper sleep onset. Mild injection-site reactions may occur. GH pulses begin but effects are not yet visible.

Weeks 3-4

Noticeable improvements in recovery after exercise. Subtle skin and energy changes. GH and IGF-1 levels begin to rise measurably.

Weeks 5-8

Fat loss becomes apparent, especially around the midsection. Recovery time shortens. Joint and soft-tissue comfort may improve.

Weeks 9-12

Peak benefits in body composition, sleep quality, and recovery. Skin elasticity and tone improvements reported. IGF-1 levels stabilize at elevated baseline.

Weeks 13-16
off-cycle

Receptor sensitivity reset period. Retain most gains from the cycle. GH and IGF-1 gradually return toward pre-cycle baseline over 2-4 weeks.

Dosing Protocol

LevelDose / InjectionFrequency
Beginner100mcgDaily
Moderate200mcg2x Daily
Aggressive300mcg3x Daily

Note: Most selective GHRP. Minimal cortisol/prolactin increase. Best combined with CJC-1295 No DAC.

How to Inject Ipamorelin

Inject subcutaneously on an empty stomach. Best timing is before bed (to amplify natural nocturnal GH pulse) or post-workout. If stacking with CJC-1295, inject both at the same time.

Cycling Protocol

On Period
12 weeks
Off Period
4 weeks

Cycle to maintain receptor sensitivity. Can also be run 5 days on, 2 off weekly.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life
2h
Bioavailability
SC: ~95%; Intranasal: ~20%
Tmax
0.25-0.5 hours
Data Confidence
high

Source: PK-PD modeling in human volunteers (Pharm Res 1999, PMID 10496658)

Pharmacokinetics — Active Dose Over Time

t½ = ~2 hours
50%25%12.5%100%75%50%25%0%02h4h6h8h10hTime after injectionDose remaining
After 1 half-life (2h): 50% remainsAfter 2 half-lives (4h): 25% remainsAfter 3 half-lives (6h): 12.5% remains
At a 200mcg dose: 50% = 100mcg remaining after 2h. Recommended frequency: 2x Daily.

Disclaimer: This curve is a simplified first-order exponential decay model. Actual pharmacokinetics vary based on injection site, individual metabolism, body composition, and other factors. Half-life values are approximate and based on available preclinical and clinical literature. Many research peptides lack formal human pharmacokinetic studies. This is for educational purposes only — not medical advice.

Side Effects

Very well-tolerated. Occasional headache or lightheadedness. Mild water retention possible.

Contraindications

  • Active malignancy or history of cancer (GH may promote tumor growth)
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
  • Uncontrolled diabetes or severe insulin resistance
  • Intracranial hypertension or active pituitary tumors
  • Known hypersensitivity to ipamorelin or any excipients
  • Children with closed epiphyseal plates (no benefit; risk of side effects)

Drug Interactions

  • Exogenous growth hormone (HGH) — concurrent use may cause supraphysiological GH levels and increased side effects
  • Glucocorticoids (prednisone, dexamethasone) — may blunt GH release and reduce ipamorelin efficacy
  • Insulin — combined GH elevation can impair glucose tolerance; monitor blood sugar closely
  • Somatostatin analogs (octreotide) — directly oppose GH release and will negate ipamorelin effects

Storage & Stability

Before Reconstitution
Refrigerate at 2-8°C, stable up to 12 months
After Reconstitution
Refrigerate, use within 3-4 weeks
Temperature
2-8°C (36-46°F)

Molecular Profile

Amino Acids
5
Molecular Weight
711.85 Da
Sequence
HFFK
HydrophobicPolarPositiveNegativeSpecial

Related Peptides

CJC-1295 (No DAC)
Growth Hormone
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
Growth Hormone
Sermorelin
Growth Hormone

References

  1. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue (Eur J Endocrinol 1998)PubMed 9849822
  2. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin in human volunteers (Pharm Res 1999)PubMed 10496658
  3. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of ipamorelin and other peptidyl GHS with emphasis on nasal absorption (Eur J Pharm Sci 1999)PubMed 9879640
  4. The GH secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats (Growth Horm IGF Res 2001)PubMed 11735244
  5. The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GHRP-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats (Eur J Endocrinol 1999)PubMed 10828840

Related Resources

Ipamorelin CalculatorIpamorelin vs CJC-1295 (No DAC)Best Peptides for Muscle GrowthBest Peptides for SleepGrowth Hormone Stack

Frequently Asked Questions