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
Route: Subcutaneous or oral | Frequency: Daily during cycle | Half-life: ~3 hours
Standard Approach (3 mL = 16.67 mg/mL)
Reconstituting with 3 mL bacteriostatic water produces a concentration of 16.67 mg/mL. Volume per dose changes with concentration; mg dose itself does not change between vial sizes.
| Phase / Protocol | Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Doses per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 (titration) | 1 mg | 6 units | 0.060 mL | 50 doses |
| Weeks 3–4 | 2 mg | 12 units | 0.12 mL | 25 doses |
| Weeks 5–8 (target) | 3 mg | 18 units | 0.18 mL | 16 doses |
Reconstitution Steps
- Wipe the vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol; let dry.
- Draw 3 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the peptide vial. Do not aim at the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 30 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 2 mg per dose, daily during cycle (7 doses/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| AICAR (50 mg) vials | 3 vials | 4 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 56 | 84 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 1 × 10 mL | 2 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
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.
Dosing Protocol
Daily titration (subcutaneous, gradual approach):
- Weeks 1–2: 1 mg/day (1,000 mcg).
- Weeks 3–4: 2 mg/day (2,000 mcg).
- Weeks 5–8 (target): 3 mg/day (3,000 mcg).
- Advanced (literature-supported only): up to 5 mg/day.
Cycle: 8–12 weeks active, 4-week break. Effects compound during paired endurance training.
Frequency: Once daily subcutaneous at a consistent time; rotate sites.
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.