The most selective GHRP — subcutaneous dosing, reconstitution, timing, cycling, stacking with CJC-1295 no DAC, and safety. For research purposes only — not for human use.
Clean Peptides does not provide advice on dosages or usage. This guide compiles product information from Clean Peptides together with independent educational material from PeptideWiki, for research reference only. It is not medical advice and does not represent recommendations, endorsements, or instructions from Clean Peptides.
What Is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (GHRP) acting on the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). Unlike GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, it is highly selective — it triggers a robust GH pulse without significantly raising cortisol, prolactin or appetite. When stacked with CJC-1295 (no DAC / Mod GRF 1-29), the two produce a synergistic GH pulse larger than either alone.
Dosing derives from published research and community protocols.
Key Characteristics
- Pentapeptide — Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂.
- Ghrelin receptor agonist (GHS-R1a) — dose-dependent GH pulse.
- Highly selective — no significant cortisol, prolactin, aldosterone or appetite increase.
- Short half-life (~2 h) — clean GH pulse peaking at 30–40 min.
- Subcutaneous injection.
- Synergistic with GHRH analogs — best stacked with CJC-1295 no DAC.
How Dosage Is Determined
Established by clinical PK studies (Raun et al. 1998) and 15+ years of community use. GH output plateaus above 300 mcg per injection. Standard protocol 200–300 mcg, 2–3x daily, bedtime dose most important. Fasting requirement supported by GH physiology. Strength of evidence: moderate to strong.
Standard Dosage Ranges
| Level | Dose/Injection | Frequency | Daily Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 100–200 mcg | 1–2x daily | 100–400 mcg | 1 week to assess tolerance; bedtime priority |
| Intermediate | 200–300 mcg | 2–3x daily | 400–900 mcg | Morning + bedtime minimum, add post-workout |
| Advanced | 300 mcg | 3x daily | 900 mcg | Maximum; no benefit above 300 mcg/injection |
Fasting is critical: inject 1–2 h after eating; do not eat for 20–30 min after. Food (carbs/fats) triggers insulin, which suppresses the GH pulse.
Weight-Based Reference
| Body Weight | 1 mcg/kg | 2 mcg/kg | 3 mcg/kg | Typical Flat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 60 mcg | 120 mcg | 180 mcg | 200 mcg |
| 75 kg | 75 mcg | 150 mcg | 225 mcg | 200–250 mcg |
| 90 kg | 90 mcg | 180 mcg | 270 mcg | 250–300 mcg |
| 105 kg | 105 mcg | 210 mcg | 315 mcg | 300 mcg |
Reconstitution & Dosing (with the supplied 3 mL)
Every Clean Peptides vial ships with 3 mL of bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol). All figures below assume you reconstitute with the full 3 mL. On a standard U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units = 1 mL.
Quick formula: concentration = vial strength ÷ 3 mL, and units to draw = dose (mg) × 300 ÷ vial strength (mg).
How to reconstitute
- Wash your hands and lay out the vial, the 3 mL bacteriostatic water, an insulin syringe and alcohol swabs on a clean surface.
- Flip off the caps and swab both rubber stoppers with alcohol; let them air-dry 10–15 seconds.
- Draw the full 3 mL of bacteriostatic water (in three 1 mL passes with an insulin syringe, or in one pass with a 3 mL syringe).
- Add the water slowly, angling the needle so it runs down the inside glass wall — never squirt it directly onto the powder cake.
- Dissolve gently — let the vial sit 1–2 minutes, then swirl or roll it between your palms until the solution is clear. Never shake.
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Resulting concentration: 5 mg → 1.67 mg/mL.
Storage: unreconstituted powder refrigerated (2–8 °C); reconstituted solution refrigerated and used within 28–30 days; do not freeze; protect from light and heat.
Draw volumes with 3 mL — Ipamorelin
| Vial (Clean Peptides) | Concentration | 200 mcg | 250 mcg | 300 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 1.67 mg/mL | 12 u | 15 u | 18 u |
Dosage by Goal
- Anti-aging & wellness: 100–200 mcg, 1–2x daily (bedtime priority); 8–12 wk cycles. Often + CJC-1295 no DAC 100 mcg.
- Fat loss: 200–300 mcg, 3x daily (morning fasted, post-workout, bedtime) + CJC-1295 no DAC 100 mcg.
- Muscle recovery: 200–300 mcg, 2–3x daily (post-workout + bedtime) + CJC-1295; consider BPC-157.
- Sleep quality: 100–200 mcg, once daily 30–60 min before bed.
- Injury recovery: 200–300 mcg, 2–3x daily + CJC-1295 ± BPC-157/TB-500.
If you can only inject once daily, make it the bedtime dose.
Injection Guide
- Wash hands thoroughly.
- Swab the stopper; draw dose (29–31 g syringe).
- Remove air bubbles.
- Choose a site — abdomen (2 in from navel), thigh, or back of upper arm; rotate.
- Clean the site; inject into a pinched fold at 45–90°; hold 5–10 s.
- Dispose in a sharps container.
3x daily timing: morning (fasted), post-workout (within 30 min), bedtime (2+ h after last meal — most important). Always inject on an empty stomach.
Cycle Duration & Timing
| Protocol | On Period | Off Period | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 8–12 weeks | 4 weeks | General fat loss, recovery, anti-aging |
| Extended | 12–16 weeks | 4–6 weeks | Injury recovery, recomposition |
| 5-on / 2-off weekly | 5 days/wk | Weekends | Conservative approach |
| Maintenance | Ongoing (low dose) | Periodic 4-wk breaks | Anti-aging, 100–200 mcg bedtime |
Priority order if dosing once: bedtime → morning fasted → post-workout. Cycling prevents pituitary desensitization.
Stacking Protocols
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 no DAC (“Gold Standard”): Ipamorelin 200–300 mcg + CJC-1295 (no DAC) 100 mcg, both 2–3x daily, can be mixed in the same syringe.
Full CJC-1295 protocols: see our CJC-1295 Dosage Guide.
Other stacks: Ipamorelin + BPC-157 (recovery); Ipamorelin + MK-677 (oral + injectable GH — monitor glucose).
Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications
The safest and most selective GHRP; at 200–300 mcg it does not meaningfully raise cortisol, prolactin or aldosterone.
Common (mild, transient): head rush/headache, transient tingling/numbness, mild water retention, injection-site reactions, mild appetite increase. Less common: lightheadedness/flushing at higher doses, vivid dreams, joint stiffness.
Contraindications: active cancer or history of cancer (GH/IGF-1 promote proliferation); diabetes (GH antagonizes insulin); pituitary disorders; pregnancy/breastfeeding; children/adolescents.
Monitor: IGF-1, fasting glucose & HbA1c, fasting insulin, CBC, lipids, liver enzymes. Baseline before starting; recheck at 6–8 weeks.
Common Mistakes
- Injecting after a meal or eating immediately after.
- Only injecting once daily (short half-life).
- Not stacking with CJC-1295 no DAC.
- Confusing CJC-1295 with DAC vs without DAC.
- Skipping the bedtime dose.
- Starting at too high a dose.
- Not cycling off periodically.
Key Takeaways
- Most selective GHRP — GH release without cortisol/prolactin/appetite effects.
- Standard dose 200–300 mcg SubQ, 2–3x daily, on an empty stomach.
- Fasting is non-negotiable; bedtime dose most important.
- Best stacked with CJC-1295 no DAC at 100 mcg. Cycle 8–12 wk on / 4 wk off.
- Contraindicated in active cancer, uncontrolled diabetes and pregnancy.
Download & Related Resources
Shop Ipamorelin: Ipamorelin 5 mg · Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 Combo
Related guides: CJC-1295 Dosage Guide · BPC-157 Dosage Guide
References
- Raun K, et al. “Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.” Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561.
- Anderson LL, et al. “Ipamorelin: a novel growth hormone releasing peptide.” Growth Horm IGF Res. 2001;11(Suppl A):S113-S117.
- Gobburu JV, et al. “PK-PD modeling of ipamorelin in human volunteers.” Pharm Res. 1999;16(9):1412-1416.
- Ghigo E, et al. “Growth hormone-releasing peptides.” Eur J Endocrinol. 1997;136(5):445-460.
- Bowers CY. “Growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP).” Cell Mol Life Sci. 1998;54(12):1316-1329.
For research purposes only — not for human use. Educational reference compiled from PeptideWiki (peptidewiki.co).
