GHRP-2 (5 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
GHRP-2 is a 6-amino-acid GHRP that stimulates GH release via the ghrelin receptor. Older than ipamorelin but with broader activity including some cortisol and appetite stimulation.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: 1–3× daily | Half-life: ~30 minutes
Standard Approach (3 mL = 1.67 mg/mL)
Reconstituting with 3 mL bacteriostatic water produces a concentration of 1.67 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) | 100 mcg | 6 units | 0.060 mL | 50 doses |
| Weeks 3–4 | 150 mcg | 9 units | 0.090 mL | 33 doses |
| Weeks 5–8 | 200 mcg | 12 units | 0.12 mL | 25 doses |
| Weeks 9–12 (optional) | 275 mcg | 16.5 units | 0.17 mL | 18 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 28 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 200 mcg per dose, 1–3× daily (3 doses/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| GHRP-2 (5 mg) vials | 1 vials | 2 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 24 | 36 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 1 × 10 mL | 1 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Protocol Overview
GHRP-2 is one of the original GHRPs. Compared to ipamorelin it produces stronger GH pulses but with measurable cortisol and prolactin elevation, plus marked appetite stimulation via ghrelin pathway activation. The appetite effect makes it suitable for protocols where increased intake is desirable (e.g., bulking, post-illness weight gain).
Dosing Protocol
Daily dosing:
- Light (100 mcg, once daily): Conservative single pulse.
- Standard (200 mcg, 2–3× daily): Most-cited research protocol.
Cycle structure: 8–12 weeks continuous, then 4-week break.
Stacking: Often combined with CJC-1295 (no-DAC) for GHRH+GHRP synergy.
Timing: Avoid eating for 30+ minutes post-dose. Pre-meal dosing leverages the appetite-stimulation for protocols where weight gain is desirable.
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 28 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
GHRP-2 binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering GH release. Unlike ipamorelin, GHRP-2 also produces measurable cortisol and prolactin elevation and stimulates appetite via the ghrelin pathway.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Strong GH pulse via ghrelin receptor.
- Useful in protocols where appetite stimulation is desired.
- Synergistic with GHRH analogs.
Side Effect Profile
- Cortisol and prolactin elevation.
- Significant appetite increase.
- Injection-site reactions.
- Mild fluid retention.
Lifestyle Factors
- Manage appetite stimulation with planned meals.
- Avoid eating for 30+ min post-dose.
- Resistance training to leverage GH pulse.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Rotate sites with each dose.