AICAR (50 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
AICAR is a small-molecule AMPK activator (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) studied as an exercise mimetic in metabolic research.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing (research use only)
Standard / Gradual Approach (3 mL = ~16.7 mg/mL)
| Week/Phase | Daily Dose | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 1,000 mcg (1 mg) | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 2,000 mcg (2 mg) | 12 units (0.12 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 3,000 mcg (3 mg) | 18 units (0.18 mL) |
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously. For ≤10-unit (≤0.10 mL) administrations, consider 30- or 50-unit insulin syringes for improved readability.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Advanced Protocol (Higher Doses)
| Week/Phase | Daily Dose | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 2,000 mcg (2 mg) | 12 units (0.12 mL) |
| Weeks 3–6 | 3,000 mcg (3 mg) | 18 units (0.18 mL) |
| Weeks 7–12 | 5,000 mcg (5 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
Note: Higher-dose protocols should only be considered when explicitly supported by literature. Research doses remain well below human safety studies (up to 210 mg/kg IV), providing a wide safety margin.
Important: This guide is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice. Not for human consumption.
Supplies Needed
Plan based on an 8-week research protocol (conservative dosing).
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peptide Vials (AICAR, 50 mg each) | 8 weeks (gradual 1–3 mg/day) ≈ 3 vials 12 weeks (2–5 mg/day advanced) ≈ 8 vials |
| Insulin Syringes (U-100, or 30/50-unit for precision) | Per week: 7 syringes (1/day) 8 weeks: 56 syringes 12 weeks: 84 syringes |
| Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles) | 8 weeks (3 vials): 9 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle 12 weeks (8 vials): 24 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles |
| Alcohol Swabs | Per week: 14 swabs (2/day) 8 weeks: 112 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes 12 weeks: 168 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes |
Protocol Overview
AICAR is technically a small molecule rather than a peptide. WADA prohibited list. Most research-grade use pairs with regular endurance training to amplify the AMPK-activation effects.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 30 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
AICAR is a small molecule (not strictly a peptide) that acts as an AMP-mimetic, activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK activation drives fatty-acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle — mimicking exercise-induced metabolic adaptations.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Exercise-mimetic effects via AMPK activation.
- Improved endurance in animal models.
- Improved insulin sensitivity.
Side Effect Profile
- Generally well-tolerated in available research.
- WADA prohibited list for athletes.
Lifestyle Factors
- Pair with regular exercise for maximum benefit.
- Adequate carbohydrate availability supports outcomes.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous, rotate sites.