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Ipamorelin: the complete guide

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin at the GHSR-1a receptor. It is prized for stimulating GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin.

Written by Peptide Protocol Editorial Medically reviewed per our review process Last reviewed
ClassGhrelin receptor agonist / GHRP (growth-hormone-releasing peptide)
Half-lifeApproximately 2 hours
Typical dose100–300 mcg per injection, 1–3x daily
CategoryGrowth hormone axis
Research useRecovery, sleep, body composition research
FDA statusNot FDA approved. Research use only.

How Ipamorelin works

Ipamorelin binds the ghrelin receptor on the pituitary, triggering GH release. Unlike older GHRPs (GHRP-6, GHRP-2), it shows negligible cortisol elevation and no appetite-stimulating effect.

Typical Ipamorelin dosage

Commonly reported research ranges: 100–300 mcg per injection, 1–3x daily.

Dose should always be individualized. Factors that influence it include bodyweight, research goal, tolerance, and specific compound batch. The information below is educational, not a prescription.

How to reconstitute Ipamorelin

A widely used reconstitution for a 5 mg vial is 2 ml of bacteriostatic water. With a typical 200 mcg dose this works out to the unit count shown in the calculator below.

Open the Ipamorelin reconstitution calculator →

Pre-filled with the common 5 mg + 2 ml ratio. Adjust for your own vial.

Half-life and administration frequency

Approximately 2 hours.

This half-life informs how often Ipamorelin is typically dosed. Shorter half-lives usually mean more frequent dosing to maintain plasma levels; longer half-lives allow daily, weekly, or less-frequent administration depending on the compound.

Reported side effects

This list reflects effects reported in available literature or user logs. It is not exhaustive. Adverse reactions should be discussed with a qualified clinician.

Common Ipamorelin stacks

Full editorial stack guides featuring Ipamorelin:

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin

Recomposition, sleep quality, recovery, anti-aging protocols.

GH axisRecovery

Ipamorelin + Tesamorelin

Users wanting the cleanest clinically-documented GHRH/GHRP pair, reducing visceral fat, long-horizon anti-aging protocols.

GH axisClinical

Storage and handling

Lyophilized refrigerated. Reconstituted: refrigerated, use within 28 days.

FDA and regulatory status

Not FDA approved. Research use only.

Ipamorelin clinical trials and evidence

For clinical-trial and primary-literature context, start with the sources below. We prioritize official drug labels, ClinicalTrials.gov records, and PubMed-indexed literature when available.

Track your Ipamorelin protocol on iPhone

Peptide Protocol logs every dose, calculates reconstitution for you, and keeps your full protocol on one calm screen.

See the app →

Frequently asked questions

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin at the GHSR-1a receptor. It is prized for stimulating GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin.

How does Ipamorelin work?

Ipamorelin binds the ghrelin receptor on the pituitary, triggering GH release. Unlike older GHRPs (GHRP-6, GHRP-2), it shows negligible cortisol elevation and no appetite-stimulating effect.

What is a typical Ipamorelin dose?

Commonly reported ranges are 100–300 mcg per injection, 1–3x daily. This is research information, not a recommendation — dosing should be individualized under clinical guidance.

What is the half-life of Ipamorelin?

Approximately 2 hours. This influences how often it is administered.

How do you reconstitute Ipamorelin?

A common approach is to add 2 ml of bacteriostatic water to a 5 mg vial. Use the reconstitution calculator for exact unit counts.

What are the side effects of Ipamorelin?

Mild injection-site reactions; Occasional headache; Transient tingling / warmth.

Is Ipamorelin FDA approved?

Not FDA approved. Research use only.

Are there clinical trials for Ipamorelin?

Registered or published clinical-trial sources for Ipamorelin are listed in the references section below. Evidence depth varies widely by compound, so check the cited trial registries and primary literature before relying on any claim.

References

  1. Ipamorelin literature (PubMed) — National Library of Medicine. Primary studies on ipamorelin as a selective GH-releasing pentapeptide
  2. Raun et al. — Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue — PubMed. Foundational paper characterizing ipamorelin selectivity vs earlier GHRPs
  3. Ipamorelin clinical trial records — ClinicalTrials.gov. Registered human studies

Sources listed above were used to verify the claims on this page. See our editorial policy for how we source information.

Educational use only. Peptide Protocol is an informational tool. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice. Many peptides are prescription-only or restricted in your jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before injecting any compound.