Semax (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Semax is a synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog developed in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotective peptide. Used in stroke recovery and cognitive enhancement protocols.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Semax 10 mg intranasal research calculations for 5 mL and 10 mL final volumes
Semax 10 mg Nasal Spray Calculations
Both options begin with 3.0 mL in the peptide vial. Transfer the complete solution, then add enough vehicle to reach the measured final volume.
| Measured Final Volume | Vehicle Added After Transfer | Final Concentration | Per Verified 0.10 mL Spray |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 mL | About 2.0 mL | 2,000 mcg/mL | 200 mcg 50 nominal sprays |
| 10.0 mL | About 7.0 mL | 1,000 mcg/mL | 100 mcg 100 nominal sprays |
Reference Schedule
| Period | Amount | Spray Volume | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1–5 | 200–300 mcg per administration (400–900 mcg/day) | 0.20–0.30 mL at 1 mg/mL (2–3 verified 0.10 mL sprays) | 2–3 times in the first half of the day |
Research reference: This translates the registered 0.1% Semax drop schedule into volume for a verified 0.10 mL actuator. A custom research solution and pump are not equivalent to the registered preserved formulation.
Calculation basis: Each row uses the full 10 mg vial and a pump verified to release 0.10 mL per complete actuation. Nominal spray counts are calculated before priming and normal residual hold-up.
How to Prepare the 5 mL or 10 mL Research Bottle
- Confirm the 10 mg vial, sterile research vehicle, 5 mL or 10 mL actuator bottle, and documented pump output.
- Add 3.0 mL of compatible sterile vehicle to the vial, then gently swirl until dissolved. Do not shake.
- Transfer the complete solution to the actuator bottle and add enough vehicle to reach exactly 5.0 mL or 10.0 mL.
- Secure and label the bottle, prime the pump as directed, then refrigerate at 4°C and protect from light; the supplier lists up to four weeks after reconstitution.
Vehicle context: The worked example can use sterile 0.9% saline as a research vehicle. Kaplan and colleagues reported physiological solution in one human experiment. The registered 0.1% Semax product used purified water with methylparaben, so the saline example is not the same as the registered multidose formulation.
Research Amount to Spray Equivalents
| Research Amount | 5 mL Option 200 mcg per Spray | 10 mL Option 100 mcg per Spray |
|---|---|---|
| 200 mcg | 1 spray | 2 sprays |
| 300 mcg | 1.5 theoretical sprays | 3 sprays |
| 400 mcg | 2 sprays | 4 sprays |
| 500 mcg | 2.5 theoretical sprays | 5 sprays |
These rows are concentration conversions. They do not turn one study amount into a universal schedule. Fractional results are mathematical only because a metered pump cannot deliver half of a full actuation.
Use the measured final volume and verified actuator output in every calculation. Bottle capacity alone does not establish the final volume or the amount delivered per spray.
Supplies Needed
Use one complete set of measured and sterile research supplies for each prepared Semax 10 mg nasal bottle.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Semax 10 mg research vial | One vial per prepared bottle. The product gallery below links to the existing Semax 10 mg supplier page [8]. |
| Sterile research vehicle | Single-use sterile 0.9% sodium chloride for the worked saline example, or another validated sterile nasal research vehicle. |
| Sterile nasal actuator bottle | One 5 mL or 10 mL bottle intended for single-user research. |
| Metered pump | A compatible actuator documented or verified at 0.10 mL per complete spray. |
| Calibrated transfer tools | Sterile syringes or pipettes that can measure the initial 3.0 mL and the exact 5.0 mL or 10.0 mL final volume. |
| Sterile transfer needle | Required when the peptide vial uses a rubber septum. |
| Clean handling supplies | Alcohol preparation pads, clean gloves, and a disinfected work surface. |
| Label and research log | Record the peptide amount, final volume, concentration, pump output, preparation date, priming sprays, and actuation count. |
| Storage materials | Light-protective refrigerated storage appropriate to the validated formulation. |
| Sharps container | Use when transfer needles are part of the preparation workflow. |
Protocol Overview
The intranasal route is standard; the peptide crosses the blood-brain barrier through olfactory pathways.
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
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) lacking corticotropic activity but retaining and amplifying neurotropic effects. It upregulates BDNF and NGF (nerve growth factor), modulates dopamine and serotonin systems, and exerts neuroprotective effects in ischemia models.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Nootropic — improved attention, memory, and processing in trials.
- Stroke recovery — used in Russian clinical protocols.
- Neuroprotective in animal ischemia models.
- Anti-anxiety and mood effects.
Side Effect Profile
- Generally well-tolerated.
- Mild nasal irritation (intranasal).
- Headache occasionally reported.
Lifestyle Factors
- Cycled use (4-week on, 2-week off) is typical.
- Intranasal absorption supports CNS delivery.
- Adequate sleep amplifies cognitive benefits.
Injection Technique
- Intranasal (most common) or subcutaneous.
- Rotate sites if sub-Q.