Peptide Dosage Calculator

Understanding Peptide Reconstitution

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that degrade rapidly in solution, so they are sold as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder requiring reconstitution before use. Bacteriostatic water (sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol preservative) is the standard diluent because it inhibits bacterial growth, extending the shelf life of reconstituted peptides to 2-4 weeks when refrigerated.

Reconstitution requires careful technique to preserve peptide integrity. Add the bacteriostatic water slowly, letting it run down the inside wall of the vial rather than spraying directly onto the powder, which can denature the peptide. Once water is added, gently swirl or roll the vial between your hands—never shake vigorously, as mechanical stress can break peptide bonds. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes if the powder doesn't dissolve immediately.

Concentration after reconstitution is calculated simply: if you add 2mL of water to a 5mg vial, the concentration is 5mg / 2mL = 2.5mg/mL, or 2500mcg/mL. This concentration determines how much volume you need to draw for your target dose. For a 250mcg dose at 2500mcg/mL concentration, you would inject 0.1mL (250 ÷ 2500). Using an insulin syringe marked in units (100 units = 1mL), this equals 10 units on the syringe.

Common Research Peptides and Typical Dosing

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a protective stomach protein. Research in animals suggests wound healing, tendon repair, and gut protection properties. Typical research dosing ranges from 200-500mcg once or twice daily via subcutaneous injection near the injury site or systemically. A common protocol uses 250mcg twice daily for 4-6 weeks.

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) promotes cell migration, angiogenesis, and tissue repair. Animal research shows acceleration of wound healing and muscle repair. Dosing typically follows a loading phase of 2-2.5mg twice weekly for 4-6 weeks, followed by a maintenance phase of 2-2.5mg once or twice monthly. Some protocols use higher doses (5-10mg) for acute injuries.

Growth hormone secretagogues like Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 stimulate natural growth hormone release. Ipamorelin is typically dosed at 200-300mcg 1-3 times daily, often before bed and post-workout. CJC-1295 (with or without DAC) is dosed at 1-2mg once or twice weekly due to its longer half-life. MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an oral growth hormone secretagogue dosed at 10-25mg daily. These are studied for potential anti-aging, recovery, and body composition effects, though human clinical data is limited.

Safety, Storage, and Legal Considerations

Peptides sold as research chemicals are not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use. They exist in a regulatory gray area, marketed 'for research purposes only' and not intended for human consumption. Despite this, many athletes and biohackers use them off-label. Quality and purity vary dramatically between suppliers, and products may be contaminated, mislabeled, or underdosed. Third-party testing is rare, making sourcing from reputable suppliers with certificates of analysis critical.

Storage significantly affects peptide stability. Lyophilized powder should be stored in a freezer (-20°C) for long-term storage, though refrigeration (2-8°C) is acceptable for several months. Once reconstituted, peptides must be refrigerated and used within 2-4 weeks for most compounds. Some peptides are more fragile—growth hormone releasing peptides may degrade faster than more stable sequences like BPC-157. Never freeze reconstituted peptides, as ice crystal formation can damage the molecules.

Side effects vary by peptide but commonly include injection site reactions (redness, swelling), water retention, increased hunger (GH secretagogues), and rarely, fatigue or headaches. Long-term safety data in humans is minimal. People with cancer history should avoid growth hormone-promoting peptides due to theoretical tumor growth risk. Peptide use should be discussed with a knowledgeable healthcare provider, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions or taking other medications. Self-administration carries risks including infection, improper dosing, and using untested compounds of unknown purity.