Nootropic neuropeptide — intranasal and subcutaneous dosing, BDNF/NGF upregulation, N-Acetyl variants, cycling 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 Semax?
Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4–10), developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences and prescribed in Russia and Ukraine for stroke recovery, cognitive enhancement, optic nerve atrophy and peptic ulcer disease. It upregulates BDNF and NGF, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, and is neuroprotective. Despite a ~2–3 minute plasma half-life, its neurotrophin effects persist 24+ hours.
Dosing derives from Russian clinical literature and community protocols.
Key Characteristics
- Nootropic neuropeptide — ACTH(4–10) analog with cognitive and neuroprotective properties.
- Heptapeptide — Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro.
- BDNF/NGF upregulation — in hippocampus and cortex.
- Dopaminergic modulation — supports focus, motivation and mood without depletion.
- Ultra-short half-life, long-lasting effects — neurotrophin upregulation persists 24+ hours.
- Primary route: intranasal.
How Dosage Is Determined
Supported by three decades of Russian clinical research. The 0.1% solution (~50 mcg/drop) and 1% solution (~500 mcg/drop) are manufactured products. Peak BDNF upregulation 3–8 h post-dose, elevated 24 h. Strength of evidence: moderate to strong for standard Semax.
Standard Dosage Ranges
Standard Semax — Intranasal
| Level | Dose | Frequency | Daily Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 200 mcg | 1–2x daily | 200–400 mcg |
| Intermediate | 300–400 mcg | 2–3x daily | 600–1,200 mcg |
| Advanced / Clinical | 500–1,000 mcg | 2–3x daily | 1,000–3,000 mcg |
Standard Semax — Subcutaneous
| Level | Dose | Frequency | Daily Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 100 mcg | 1x daily | 100 mcg |
| Intermediate | 200 mcg | 1–2x daily | 200–400 mcg |
| Advanced | 300 mcg | 1–2x daily | 300–600 mcg |
Morning dosing preferred; last dose no later than ~4 PM. No fasting requirement.
Variant potency: N-Acetyl Semax (NA-Semax) ≈ 2–3× standard — use ½–⅓ the dose. N-Acetyl Semax Amidate (NASA) ≈ 3–5× — use ⅓–⅕ the dose.
Semax Variants Comparison
| Parameter | Standard Semax | NA-Semax | NASA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | MEHFPGP | Ac-MEHFPGP | Ac-MEHFPGP-NH₂ |
| Relative Potency | 1× | 2–3× | 3–5× |
| Intranasal Dose | 200–600 mcg | 100–300 mcg | 50–200 mcg |
| Acute Duration | 4–6 h | 5–8 h | 6–10 h |
| Clinical Data | Extensive | Limited | Minimal |
Reconstitution & Dosing (with the supplied 3 mL)
Figures are for subcutaneous dosing. For intranasal use, reconstitute with the 3 mL and transfer to a metered spray bottle (~0.1 mL/spray).
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; 10 mg → 3.33 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 — Semax
| Vial (Clean Peptides) | Concentration | 100 mcg | 200 mcg | 300 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 1.67 mg/mL | 6 u | 12 u | 18 u |
| 10 mg | 3.33 mg/mL | 3 u | 6 u | 9 u |
Dosage by Goal
- Cognitive enhancement & focus: 200–600 mcg intranasal, 1–2x daily (AM + early PM); 2–4 wk on, 1–2 wk off.
- Neuroprotection & brain health: 300–600 mcg intranasal, 2–3x daily; 3–4 wk on, 2 wk off.
- Mood & motivation: 200–400 mcg intranasal, 1–2x daily; stack with Selank.
- Stroke recovery (clinical): 1% solution 600–3,000 mcg/day divided; medical supervision required.
- Attention/ADHD support: 200–400 mcg intranasal, morning critical, second dose before 2 PM.
Start low and titrate up; watch for overstimulation (anxiety, insomnia).
Cycling & Duration
| Protocol | On-Cycle | Off-Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 2 weeks | 1 week off |
| Standard | 3–4 weeks | 1–2 weeks off |
| Extended | 4–6 weeks | 2–3 weeks off |
| Russian Clinical | 10–14 days | Varies |
No withdrawal on discontinuation.
Stacking Protocols
Semax + Selank — gold-standard nootropic stack: Semax 200–600 mcg (dopaminergic drive, BDNF) + Selank 200–400 mcg (GABA/serotonin, anxiolysis), intranasal 1–2x daily.
Full Selank protocols: see our Selank Dosage Guide.
Other stacks: Semax + BPC-157 (neuroregeneration); Semax + Alpha-GPC (cholinergic support); Semax + Selank + BPC-157 (comprehensive). Avoid stacking with high-dose stimulants.
Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications
Decades of Russian clinical use; classified as “practically zero toxicity.” No dependency or withdrawal.
Mild, dose-dependent: nasal irritation, mild headache, sleep disruption if taken late, slight appetite changes. At higher doses (esp. NA variants): reversible hair thinning, overstimulation/anxiety/irritability, dizziness, emotional sensitivity.
Contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding; active seizure disorders; bipolar disorder (manic phase); concurrent MAO inhibitors; known hypersensitivity.
Approved in Russia/Ukraine; not FDA-approved; not currently on WADA list (verify).
Common Mistakes
- Using NA-Semax at standard Semax doses (2–3× more potent).
- Taking Semax too late in the day (insomnia).
- Expecting immediate long-term cognitive gains (2–4 weeks for neurotrophin effects).
- Improper intranasal technique.
- Not cycling or taking breaks.
- Stacking with too many stimulants.
- Storing reconstituted solution at room temperature.
Key Takeaways
- Potent nootropic neuropeptide upregulating BDNF/NGF.
- 200–600 mcg intranasal 1–3x daily; adjust for variants (NA-Semax ½–⅓; NASA ⅓–⅕).
- Ultra-short half-life, long-lasting effects.
- Gold-standard stack: Semax + Selank. Dose in the morning/early afternoon.
- Excellent safety record; approved in Russia/Ukraine, not FDA-approved.
Download & Related Resources
Shop Semax: Semax 10 mg · Semax 5 mg
Related guides: Selank Dosage Guide · BPC-157 Dosage Guide
References
- Glazova NY, et al. “Semax regulates immune-response genes during ischemic brain injury.” Mol Genet Genomics. 2015;290(6):2355-2367.
- Dolotov OV, et al. “Semax regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus.” Brain Res. 2006;1117(1):54-60.
- Eremin KO, et al. “Semax activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems.” Neurochem Res. 2005;30(12):1493-1500.
- Medvedeva EV, et al. “Semax affects immune and vascular genes in focal ischemia.” BMC Genomics. 2014;15:228.
- Grivennikov IA, et al. “Semax stimulates BDNF and NGF genes in human glial cells.” Bull Exp Biol Med. 2008;146(1):140-143.
For research purposes only — not for human use. Educational reference compiled from PeptideWiki (peptidewiki.co).
