Peptide Dosage Chart: Recommended Doses by Peptide

Peptide Dosage Chart: Recommended Doses by Peptide

A peptide dosage chart provides recommended dosing ranges for therapeutic peptides based on clinical research and practitioner protocols. Getting the dose right matters more than most people realize—too little won't produce results, while too much can waste product or cause unwanted effects. This reference covers dosing protocols for recovery peptides, weight loss compounds, growth hormone secretagogues, cognitive enhancers, and longevity peptides.

What Is the Right Dosage for Each Peptide?

There isn't one "right" dose for any peptide. That's the honest answer.

Dosing depends on your goals, body weight, experience level, and the specific peptide you're using. Some compounds like BPC-157 have a wide therapeutic window—you can go lower or higher without much risk. Others, like semaglutide, require careful titration or you'll spend your evening curled up feeling nauseous.

Most peptides follow a pattern: start low, assess tolerance, increase gradually. It's not sexy or exciting, but it works. I've seen too many people jump straight to high doses because "more is better," only to bail on the protocol within a week because the side effects sucked.

Clinical studies give us ranges. Practitioner protocols give us real-world data. Your individual response gives you the final answer. Think of published doses as starting points, not commandments carved in stone.

Body weight matters for some peptides more than others. Growth hormone secretagogues often scale with weight—a 200-pound person typically needs more ipamorelin than someone who's 130 pounds. But BPC-157? The dose stays pretty consistent regardless of whether you're 150 or 250 pounds.

Experience level counts too. If you've never injected peptides before, there's wisdom in starting conservatively even if the research suggests higher doses are safe. You're learning how your body responds, how to reconstitute properly, how to manage injection sites. No need to complicate things by going aggressive right out of the gate.

Understanding Peptide Units: mcg, mg, IU, and Concentration

Let's clear up the confusion around peptide measurements because this trips people up constantly.

Micrograms (mcg or μg): One-thousandth of a milligram. Most peptide doses are measured in mcg because the amounts are small. When you see "250 mcg of BPC-157," that's 0.25 mg.

Milligrams (mg): The standard unit. Your peptide vial might contain 5 mg or 10 mg of lyophilized powder. After reconstitution, you'll draw specific volumes to get your desired dose in mcg.

International Units (IU): Used primarily for growth hormone and some other biologics. The conversion isn't universal—it depends on the specific compound. For HGH, 1 mg equals approximately 3 IU, but don't assume that ratio applies to everything.

Concentration: This is where the math happens. If you reconstitute 5 mg of peptide with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, your concentration is 2.5 mg/mL or 2,500 mcg/mL. To draw 250 mcg, you'd need 0.1 mL (or 10 units on an insulin syringe).

Here's the formula that'll save you headaches: (Desired dose in mcg ÷ Concentration in mcg/mL) = Volume to draw in mL

Example: You want 500 mcg of TB-500. Your vial has 5 mg reconstituted in 2 mL. That's 2,500 mcg/mL. So 500 ÷ 2,500 = 0.2 mL (20 units on an insulin syringe).

Get comfortable with this math or use a peptide calculator. Seriously. Eyeballing it or guessing leads to inconsistent dosing, which makes it impossible to assess whether the peptide is actually working.

Recovery Peptides: BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu Dosing

BPC-157 is probably the most forgiving recovery peptide when it comes to dosing. The standard range is 250-500 mcg once or twice daily. Some people go as low as 200 mcg and still see benefits. Others push to 1,000 mcg per day for acute injuries.

For chronic issues—nagging tendonitis, gut problems, lingering soft tissue injuries—most folks stick with 250-350 mcg twice daily. That's morning and evening, subcutaneous or intramuscular near the injury site if possible. The research on BPC-157 shows it works systemically too, so don't stress if you can't pin directly into your injured shoulder.

Acute injuries might warrant higher doses for the first week or two. Something like 500 mcg twice daily, then taper down to 250 mcg twice daily as healing progresses. Run it for 4-6 weeks minimum. Some people cycle off, others run it continuously for months without issues.

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) follows a loading and maintenance pattern. Loading dose: 5-10 mg per week, split into 2-3 injections. So that might look like 2.5 mg twice weekly or around 750 mcg daily for the first 4-6 weeks.

After the loading phase, drop to a maintenance dose of 2-5 mg per week. Many people do 2 mg once weekly and that seems to hold the benefits. TB-500 has a longer half-life than BPC-157, which is why you can get away with less frequent dosing.

You'll often see TB-500 stacked with BPC-157. That's a solid combo—BPC works on one set of healing pathways, TB-500 hits others. If you're doing both, typical protocol might be 250 mcg BPC-157 twice daily plus 2.5 mg TB-500 twice weekly during loading, then adjust from there.

GHK-Cu dosing is all over the map depending on application. For anti-aging and systemic effects: 1-3 mg per day, subcutaneous. Some people go higher—up to 5 mg daily—especially if they're focused on skin improvement or hair growth.

Topical application uses different concentrations, usually 0.5-2% in a serum. That's a whole different ballgame from injections and the dosing math doesn't translate directly.

For injury recovery specifically, 2-3 mg daily seems to be the sweet spot. GHK-Cu isn't as commonly used for acute injuries as BPC-157 or TB-500, but it has solid data for tissue remodeling and reducing inflammation. Run it for at least 8-12 weeks to see meaningful changes in skin quality or longevity markers.

Weight Loss Peptides: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, AOD-9604 Dosing

Semaglutide demands respect. This isn't something you blast at high doses from day one. The standard protocol involves slow titration over months.

Week 1-4: 0.25 mg once weekly
Week 5-8: 0.5 mg once weekly
Week 9-12: 1 mg once weekly
Week 13+: 1.7-2.4 mg once weekly (therapeutic dose)

Why so slow? Because GLP-1 agonists can cause brutal nausea, vomiting, and GI upset if you ramp too fast. Starting low lets your body adjust. Some people stay at 0.5 mg and lose weight just fine. Others need the full 2.4 mg to see appetite suppression kick in.

Don't skip the titration steps. I know it's tempting when you're eager for results, but the side effects will humble you quickly. If you get nausea even at low doses, slow down the increase or stay at your current dose for another week or two.

Tirzepatide is newer and arguably more effective, but it follows a similar titration pattern:

Week 1-4: 2.5 mg once weekly
Week 5-8: 5 mg once weekly
Week 9-12: 7.5 mg once weekly
Week 13-16: 10 mg once weekly
Week 17+: 12.5-15 mg once weekly (maximum dose)

Tirzepatide hits both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which makes it more powerful for weight management but also potentially rougher on the GI system. Same rules apply: don't rush the increases.

Maintenance dosing for both semaglutide and tirzepatide varies. Some people find their sweet spot at mid-range doses and stay there. Others push to the max dose for aggressive weight loss, then taper down once they hit their goal weight. There's no one-size-fits-all answer here.

AOD-9604 is a fragment of growth hormone designed specifically for fat loss without affecting blood sugar. Typical dosing is 300-600 mcg per day, usually injected before cardio or first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

Some protocols split it into two doses—300 mcg morning and evening. Others do a single 500-600 mcg injection pre-workout. The research is limited compared to the GLP-1 drugs, but anecdotal reports suggest it works best when combined with caloric restriction and exercise. Shocking, I know.

Run AOD-9604 for at least 8-12 weeks. It's not going to produce dramatic appetite suppression like semaglutide, but it may help with stubborn fat areas and metabolic rate.

GH Secretagogues: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, Sermorelin, MK-677 Dosing

Growth hormone secretagogues stimulate your body's natural GH production rather than providing exogenous hormone. Dosing strategies differ between injectable peptides and oral compounds.

CJC-1295 (with DAC) has a long half-life, so dosing is typically 2 mg once or twice per week. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) extends its action to about 6-8 days, which means frequent injections aren't necessary.

CJC-1295 (without DAC)—sometimes called Modified GRF 1-29—requires more frequent dosing because it clears faster. Standard protocol is 100-200 mcg, 1-3 times daily. Most people do it before bed and possibly before training to time GH pulses optimally.

Ipamorelin is usually stacked with CJC-1295 because they work synergistically. Dosing is 200-300 mcg, 1-3 times daily. Common timing is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and before bed. If you're doing a third dose, pre-workout makes sense.

The classic stack: 100 mcg CJC-1295 (no DAC) + 200 mcg ipamorelin, twice daily. That gives you amplified GH pulses without the side effects of straight growth hormone. No blood sugar issues, no water retention, no carpal tunnel.

Sermorelin sits in a similar range: 200-500 mcg before bed, 5-7 days per week. Some protocols go higher—up to 1,000 mcg—but most people see benefits in the 300-400 mcg range. Sermorelin works by stimulating the pituitary, so you're still relying on your body's natural GH production capacity.

Take it on an empty stomach, ideally 30-60 minutes before your last meal or a couple hours after. Food—especially carbs and fats—can blunt the GH response.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is orally bioavailable, which sets it apart. Standard dose is 10-25 mg once daily, typically before bed. Start at 10 mg and assess. Some people get hungry as hell on MK-677, which is great if you're trying to bulk but less ideal if you're cutting.

MK-677 also increases prolactin and cortisol slightly, so monitoring those markers isn't a bad idea if you're running it long-term. It's not dramatic, but it's worth knowing. Benefits include improved sleep quality, better recovery, increased appetite, and over time, body composition changes. Run it for at least 3-6 months to see meaningful effects on muscle mass and performance.

Cognitive Peptides: Selank, Semax, Dihexa Dosing

Cognitive peptides are fascinating but dosing is less standardized than recovery or weight loss compounds. The research is thinner and individual responses vary wildly.

Selank is typically dosed intranasally at 200-600 mcg, 2-3 times daily. Some people use subcutaneous injections at similar doses, but intranasal is more common. Selank is an anxiolytic—it reduces anxiety without sedation. Think of it as a gentler, cleaner version of a benzodiazepine without the dependency risk.

Start with 200 mcg twice daily and see how you feel. Some people notice effects within hours, others need a few days of consistent use. It's subtle. You won't feel high or altered, just... calmer. Less reactive to stress.

Cycling seems smart with Selank—maybe 4-6 weeks on, 1-2 weeks off—though there's no hard data saying you must cycle. Some people run it continuously during high-stress periods without issues.

Semax is Selank's more stimulating cousin. Dosing is similar: 200-600 mcg intranasally, 2-3 times daily. But the effects lean toward cognitive enhancement—better focus, improved memory, mental clarity.

Semax comes in different versions: regular Semax, Semax Amidate (longer-lasting), and N-Acetyl Semax (more potent). The acetylated version is roughly 3x stronger, so doses drop to around 100-200 mcg per administration.

Timing matters more with Semax than Selank. Take it when you need to be mentally sharp—morning, before work, before studying. Taking it late in the day can interfere with sleep for some people because it's mildly stimulating.

Dihexa is the wild card. It's incredibly potent—roughly 7-10 million times more active than BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in some assays. Dosing is correspondingly tiny: 5-10 mg per day, oral or subcutaneous.

Yes, that's milligrams not micrograms. But compared to most peptides, it's still a small amount. Some people take 5 mg once daily, others split it into 2.5 mg twice daily. There's very little human data, mostly animal studies and anecdotal reports.

Dihexa crosses the blood-brain barrier easily and promotes synaptogenesis—the formation of new synaptic connections. That's exciting but also means you should approach it cautiously. Start low, assess over weeks not days, and consider cycling off periodically. Running it year-round when we don't have long-term human safety data seems unwise.

Sexual Health: PT-141 Dosing

PT-141 (Bremelanotide) works through melanocortin receptors to enhance libido and arousal. Unlike sildenafil or tadalafil, which are vascular, PT-141 is neurological—it works in the brain.

Standard dosing is 1-2 mg subcutaneous, approximately 30-45 minutes before sexual activity. Some people respond well to 1 mg, others need the full 2 mg to notice effects.

Start with 1 mg and see what happens. If you get flushing or mild nausea (common side effects), stick with that dose for future attempts—your body often adapts and the sides diminish. If 1 mg doesn't produce noticeable effects after 2-3 tries, bump to 1.5 mg.

PT-141 affects both men and women, though the FDA-approved version (Vyleesi) is marketed specifically for women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Guys use it off-label and many report good results, especially when ED meds alone don't address desire issues.

The effects last several hours—typically 6-12 hours—with peak response around 2-3 hours post-injection. You can use it as needed; there's no requirement for daily dosing or loading phase. Some people find that taking it too frequently (more than twice a week) leads to diminished response, so spacing out usage seems smart.

Don't combine PT-141 with other libido-enhancing compounds initially. See how you respond solo before stacking it with anything else. And yeah, the nausea can be real—taking it on an empty stomach often makes that worse, so consider a light meal beforehand.

Longevity Peptides: Epitalon, MOTS-c Dosing

Epitalon is a synthetic version of epithalamin, a peptide that regulates the pineal gland and potentially affects telomere length. The research is mostly Russian and limited, but compelling enough that plenty of people experiment with it.

Typical protocol: 10 mg total over 10 days (1 mg per day for 10 consecutive days), repeated every 3-6 months. Some people do 5 mg total (0.5 mg per day for 10 days) and report benefits, while others push to 20 mg cycles.

You run it as a periodic intervention, not a daily long-term supplement. The idea is that it provides a telomere-protective or restorative effect that persists beyond the dosing period. Most people do it twice a year—once in spring, once in fall—though that's tradition more than science.

Injection timing doesn't seem critical. Many people dose before bed because of Epitalon's effects on melatonin and sleep regulation. Subjective reports often mention improved sleep quality, more vivid dreams, and a general sense of well-being during the cycle.

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that's generating buzz in longevity circles. It improves metabolic function, enhances insulin sensitivity, and may promote mitochondrial biogenesis.

Dosing ranges from 5-15 mg per week, either as a single injection or split into 2-3 doses. Some protocols use 10 mg once weekly, others do 5 mg twice weekly. There isn't a clear winner yet—both approaches seem to work.

For metabolic benefits (fat loss, insulin sensitivity), people often dose before exercise. The theory is that MOTS-c enhances exercise-induced adaptations. For general longevity and mitochondrial support, timing probably matters less.

Run MOTS-c for at least 12 weeks to assess effects. Changes in body composition, energy levels, and metabolic markers happen gradually. It's not a dramatic transformation, more like a slow recalibration of how efficiently your cells produce energy.

The Complete Dosage Reference Table

FAQ

What's the best peptide dosage chart for beginners?

Start with conservative doses at the low end of published ranges. For recovery, that's 250 mcg BPC-157 once daily. For GH secretagogues, 100 mcg CJC-1295 + 200 mcg ipamorelin before bed. For weight loss, follow the exact titration schedule for semaglutide (0.25 mg weekly for the first month). Don't jump to advanced protocols until you understand how your body responds.

How do I calculate peptide doses after reconstitution?

Use this formula: (Desired dose in mcg ÷ Concentration in mcg/mL) = Volume to draw in mL. First, determine your concentration by dividing the total peptide amount by the volume of bacteriostatic water used. Example: 5 mg peptide in 2 mL water = 2,500 mcg/mL. To draw 250 mcg, calculate 250 ÷ 2,500 = 0.1 mL (10 units on an insulin syringe).

Can I take multiple peptides at the same time?

Yes, many protocols stack complementary peptides. Common combinations include BPC-157 + TB-500 for recovery, CJC-1295 + ipamorelin for GH optimization, and semaglutide + AOD-9604 for fat loss. Avoid stacking peptides with overlapping mechanisms until you understand individual responses. Start with one, assess effects for 2-4 weeks, then add a second if needed.

What happens if I inject too much peptide?

It depends on the compound. Most therapeutic peptides like BPC-157, TB-500, and GHK-Cu have wide safety margins—doubling the dose might waste product but won't cause serious harm. GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and GI distress at excessive doses. Growth hormone secretagogues at very high doses may cause lethargy, water retention, or numbness. When in doubt, waste the dose and start fresh rather than injecting an uncertain amount.

Should peptide doses be adjusted for body weight?

Some peptides scale with body weight, others don't. Growth hormone secretagogues (CJC-1295, ipamorelin, sermorelin) often benefit from weight-based dosing—larger individuals may need doses at the higher end of ranges. BPC-157, TB-500, and most recovery peptides work at standard doses regardless of body weight. GLP-1 agonists follow fixed titration schedules that don't adjust for weight, though heavier individuals may need higher maintenance doses to achieve equivalent appetite suppression.

How long should I run a peptide protocol before seeing results?

Recovery peptides: 2-4 weeks minimum, though acute injuries may show improvement within days. Weight loss peptides: 8-12 weeks for significant body composition changes. GH secretagogues: 4-6 weeks for recovery benefits, 3-6 months for body composition changes. Cognitive peptides: days to weeks for subjective effects. Longevity peptides: 8-12 weeks minimum, though some benefits (like sleep quality on Epitalon) appear during the first cycle.

What's the difference between subcutaneous and intramuscular peptide injection?

Subcutaneous (SubQ) injections go into fat tissue, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or back of arm. They're easier, less painful, and work fine for most peptides. Intramuscular (IM) injections go deeper into muscle and may provide faster absorption for some compounds. For recovery peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500, IM near the injury site is preferred by some practitioners, but SubQ works systemically. GLP-1 agonists are SubQ only. When in doubt, SubQ is safer and simpler.

Do I need to cycle peptides or can I run them continuously?

It varies by peptide. Recovery peptides (BPC-157, TB-500) are often run for specific injury periods (4-12 weeks), then discontinued once healed. Weight loss peptides can run for months to years, though some people take breaks after reaching goal weight. GH secretagogues benefit from occasional breaks—5 days on, 2 days off, or 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Cognitive peptides probably should be cycled to prevent tolerance, though hard data is limited. Longevity peptides like Epitalon are designed as periodic interventions, not continuous use.

Can women use the same peptide doses as men?

Generally yes, though some adjustments make sense. Body weight considerations apply—a 120-pound woman may do fine at the lower end of dosing ranges where a 200-pound man needs the higher end. Hormonal fluctuations can affect response to some peptides (GH secretagogues may work differently across the menstrual cycle). GLP-1 agonists follow the same titration schedules regardless of sex. PT-141 works in both sexes but was FDA-approved specifically for women's hypoactive desire disorder. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications for essentially all research peptides.

What time of day should I inject peptides?

Timing depends on the peptide's mechanism. GH secretagogues work best before bed or upon waking on an empty stomach to coincide with natural GH pulses. Recovery peptides can be dosed anytime, though splitting morning and evening makes sense for twice-daily protocols. Weight loss peptides (semaglutide, tirzepatide) are typically injected on the same day each week, any time of day. Cognitive peptides like Semax work best when you need focus (morning or pre-work), while Selank can be dosed throughout the day. MOTS-c is often taken pre-workout to enhance metabolic adaptations.

How do I store reconstituted peptides?

Refrigerate at 36-46°F (2-8°C) immediately after reconstitution. Most peptides remain stable for 2-4 weeks when refrigerated, though some (like TB-500 and BPC-157) can last longer. Never freeze reconstituted peptides—it destroys the molecular structure. Keep them away from light in the original vial. Lyophilized (powder) peptides before reconstitution can be stored in the freezer or refrigerator and remain stable for months to years. Always check for cloudiness or particles before injecting—clear solution only.

Why do some peptide protocols recommend "loading" doses?

Loading doses quickly saturate tissues or receptors to achieve therapeutic levels faster. TB-500 uses a loading phase because it accumulates in tissues and has a long half-life—starting with higher weekly doses for 4-6 weeks builds up tissue concentrations, then maintenance doses sustain it. Semaglutide's titration isn't technically a loading phase—it's gradual acclimation to minimize side effects while finding the minimum effective dose. Not all peptides benefit from loading. BPC-157 works at consistent doses from day one without a ramp-up period.

Are peptide dosing protocols the same as prescription versions?

Often yes, but not always. Prescription semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) follows FDA-approved titration schedules that match research protocols. Prescription sermorelin from anti-aging clinics typically uses the same 200-500 mcg dosing as research-grade versions. However, some clinics use proprietary blends or modified protocols. Research peptides from suppliers may not match pharmaceutical-grade purity or concentration, which affects dosing precision. Always verify the actual peptide content and concentration of your source before calculating doses. When in doubt, start conservative and adjust based on response. For testing and monitoring, consider biomarker tracking to objectively assess whether your protocol is working.