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The Peptide Effect
Dosage Guide

Ipamorelin Dosage Guide: Timing & Protocol

Educational reference for ipamorelin dosage protocols, optimal timing, and administration guidelines as discussed in published research studies.

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Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Dosages described reflect ranges discussed in published research and clinical practice literature — they are not recommendations. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any peptide. Legality and availability vary by jurisdiction.

Overview

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that acts on ghrelin receptors (GHS-R) in the pituitary gland to stimulate the release of endogenous growth hormone. Unlike earlier GH secretagogues such as GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, ipamorelin is reported in research literature to be highly selective — it stimulates GH release without significantly elevating cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH at standard doses. This selectivity was first characterized by Raun et al. (1998) and has made ipamorelin one of the most widely discussed growth hormone-releasing peptides in both clinical and community contexts. It is frequently combined with CJC-1295 (modified GRF 1-29) to amplify and sustain the GH pulse. The following dosage information is presented for educational purposes only.

Dosing Protocols

Standard Protocol

Route: Subcutaneous
Dose: 200–300 mcg
Frequency: 2–3 times daily
Duration: 8–12 weeks

Typically administered on an empty stomach (30 minutes before food or 2 hours after eating). Common timing is upon waking, post-workout, and before bed. The pre-sleep dose may support the natural nocturnal GH pulse.

CJC-1295 Combination Protocol

Route: Subcutaneous
Dose: 100–200 mcg ipamorelin + 100–200 mcg CJC-1295 (no DAC)
Frequency: 2–3 times daily
Duration: 8–12 weeks

The combination of a GHRP (ipamorelin) and a GHRH analogue (CJC-1295) is discussed as synergistic — GHRH amplifies the GH pulse while ipamorelin initiates it. Often referred to as the "gold standard" GH peptide stack in community protocols. Lower individual doses may be used when combining.

Bedtime-Only Protocol

Route: Subcutaneous
Dose: 200–300 mcg
Frequency: Once daily before bed
Duration: 12–16 weeks

A simplified approach for those prioritizing sleep quality and recovery. Administered 30–60 minutes before sleep on an empty stomach. Targets the natural nocturnal GH peak. Discussed as a lower-commitment entry point with fewer daily injections.

Reconstitution & Storage

Vial sizes5 mg lyophilized powder per vial
Recommended water volume2.5 mL bacteriostatic water (BAC water), yielding 200 mcg per 0.1 mL (10 units on an insulin syringe)
StorageStore unreconstituted vials refrigerated at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F). Protect from light and heat.
Stability once reconstitutedReconstituted solution is generally stable for up to 30 days when refrigerated. Do not freeze reconstituted solution. Discard if solution appears cloudy.

Use our reconstitution calculator to determine exact syringe units for your dose.

Cycle Guidance

Cycles of 8–12 weeks on followed by 4–8 weeks off are commonly discussed in community protocols. The rationale for cycling is to prevent potential desensitization of GHS receptors, though published research on long-term continuous ipamorelin use is limited. Some protocols discuss continuous low-dose use for anti-aging purposes, but periodic breaks are generally recommended for standard dosing schedules.

Stacking Considerations

  • Most commonly combined with CJC-1295 (modified GRF 1-29, without DAC) for synergistic GH release. This combination is one of the most widely discussed peptide stacks.
  • Sometimes included in broader protocols with BPC-157 or TB-500 when recovery from injury is a primary goal alongside GH optimization.
  • May be used alongside testosterone replacement therapy under medical supervision in anti-aging contexts.
  • Avoid combining with food, particularly high-carbohydrate or high-fat meals, as insulin and free fatty acids can blunt the GH response. Fast for at least 30 minutes after injection.
  • Not typically combined with exogenous GH, as the purpose of ipamorelin is to stimulate endogenous GH production.

Potential Side Effects

  • Injection site reactions (redness, mild pain, itching)
  • Transient headache, particularly during the first week of use
  • Water retention and mild bloating
  • Increased hunger (less pronounced than with GHRP-6, but present in some individuals)
  • Tingling or numbness in extremities (paresthesia)
  • Drowsiness, especially with evening dosing
  • Rare: lightheadedness or mild dizziness post-injection
  • Elevated IGF-1 levels with prolonged use

Contraindications & Cautions

  • Active malignancy — elevations in GH and IGF-1 may theoretically promote tumor growth
  • Known hypersensitivity to ipamorelin or any component of the formulation
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding — no established safety profile
  • Severe hepatic or renal impairment — peptide clearance may be affected
  • History of pituitary tumors or conditions affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis
  • Type 1 or poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes — GH can affect glucose metabolism
  • Children and adolescents — not studied in pediatric populations for enhancement purposes

Related

Ipamorelin Profileanti agingmuscle growthsleeprecoveryfat losscjc-1295 dosagesermorelin dosagetesamorelin dosage

References

  1. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue (1998) — PubMed
  2. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of ipamorelin, a novel ghrelin mimetic, in healthy volunteers (2006) — PubMed
  3. Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development (2005)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to take ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is most effective when administered on an empty stomach. The most commonly discussed timing is first thing in the morning (fasted), immediately post-workout, and 30–60 minutes before bed. The pre-sleep dose is particularly emphasized because it coincides with the body's natural nocturnal growth hormone surge, potentially amplifying the total GH output during sleep.
Why is ipamorelin combined with CJC-1295?
Ipamorelin is a GH secretagogue (GHRP) that initiates a GH pulse, while CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue that amplifies and extends that pulse. Research on the GH axis demonstrates that combining a GHRP with a GHRH analogue produces a synergistic effect — the resulting GH release is greater than either peptide alone. This combination is widely discussed as the most effective approach to stimulating endogenous GH production.
Does ipamorelin raise cortisol or prolactin?
One of the key findings reported by Raun et al. (1998) is that ipamorelin does not significantly increase cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH at GH-stimulating doses. This selectivity distinguishes it from earlier GH secretagogues like GHRP-6 and hexarelin, which can elevate these hormones. This profile has made ipamorelin one of the preferred GHRPs discussed in both research and community protocols.
How long does it take to feel the effects of ipamorelin?
The acute GH pulse from an ipamorelin injection occurs within 15–30 minutes and peaks at approximately 30–60 minutes post-injection. Subjective effects such as improved sleep quality are often reported within the first 1–2 weeks. More visible effects on body composition, skin quality, and recovery typically require 4–8 weeks of consistent use based on community reports.
Can food affect ipamorelin effectiveness?
Yes. Eating, particularly carbohydrates and fats, elevates insulin and free fatty acid levels, both of which can suppress the GH response to secretagogues. For optimal results, ipamorelin should be injected at least 30 minutes before eating or 2 hours after a meal. This fasting requirement is one of the main practical considerations when planning a multi-dose daily protocol.