Hexarelin dosage and protocol
Last reviewed Oct 7, 2026. Editorial policy
Hexarelin is one of the most potent GHRPs with strong GH-releasing activity. It also has cardioprotective properties and may improve heart function. Studies show it activates GHS-R1a receptors independent of GHRH, making it unique among GHRPs. May desensitize over time with continuous use.
- Vial size: 2 mg
- Reconstitution: 1 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 2mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Growth Hormone
- Muscle Growth
- Cardioprotection
- Recovery
- Anti-Aging
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 1 mL bacteriostatic water to the 2 mg vial → 2 mg/mL
- Typical dose: 100-200 mcg twice daily subcutaneously, in 4-8 week cycles
- Easy measuring: At 2 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 20 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so 100 mcg = 5 units and 200 mcg = 10 units
- Storage: Lyophilized at -20°C; refrigerate at 2-8°C after mixing and use within 2-3 weeks
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 100-200mcg | 2x daily | 0.05-0.1mL |
How it works
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue, structurally related to GHRP-6. It activates the GHS-R1a (ghrelin) receptor in the pituitary and hypothalamus and produces one of the strongest acute GH responses in its class in human studies, with further amplification when combined with GHRH. It also raises cortisol, ACTH and prolactin to a greater degree than selective agents such as ipamorelin. Hexarelin binds a second target, the scavenger receptor CD36, found on heart muscle and blood vessel cells. Rodent studies link this to cardioprotective effects, including reduced damage after induced heart injury and improved cardiac function. Small human studies have reported acute improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction after a single dose, but these do not establish lasting clinical benefit. A well-documented limitation is desensitization: human studies show the GH response weakens over weeks of continued administration, partly reversing after a break. That is why research protocols cycle it on and off. Hexarelin is not an approved medicine, and long-term human safety data are lacking.
Units chart for a 2 mg vial
| Water added | Strength | 1 unit = | 100 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 2 mg/mL | 20 mcg | 5 units |
| 2 mL | 1 mg/mL | 10 mcg | 10 units |
| 3 mL | 0.67 mg/mL | 6.7 mcg | 15 units |
Units on a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL).
Pages for each vial size and water volume
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake)
- Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8°C, protected from light; use within 2–3 weeks
Storage
Evidence: Common practice. What vendors and users usually do. No published stability testing supports a specific number.
- Powder or unopened: Sealed powder: freezer (about −20 °C) for long-term storage, refrigerator for weeks. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening.
- Mixed or in use: Refrigerator, 2–8 °C. Do not freeze and thaw repeatedly.
- Use within: no tested number
- Light: Keep it in the box or another dark container.
Most reconstituted peptides are kept in the refrigerator (2–8 °C) and used within about 28 days. That is a convention, not tested data: the 28 days comes from the USP <797> limit for opened multiple-dose containers, which is about sterility, not about whether the peptide stays intact.
Sources: Crestigen: Peptide storage and handling guide; USP General Chapter <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding: Sterile Preparations
Store lyophilized at −20°C (−4°F). After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 2–3 weeks.
Important notes
- Research use only
- Most potent GHRP — cycle to prevent desensitization
- Has cardioprotective properties unique among GHRPs
- May raise prolactin and cortisol at high doses
- Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Supplies
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs