Peptide Comparison
AlexamorelinvsIpamorelin
A next-generation growth hormone releaser that converts to hexarelin in your body for enhanced GH, cortisol, and unique aldosterone stimulation.
A uniquely selective growth hormone booster that tells your pituitary to release more GH without messing with your cortisol or other hormones—making it the 'clean' choice among growth hormone peptides.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Alexamorelin
100–300 mcg
Ipamorelin
100–300 mcg
Frequency
Alexamorelin
Multiple times daily
Ipamorelin
Multiple times daily
Administration
Alexamorelin
Subcutaneous injection
Ipamorelin
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Alexamorelin
4-6 weeks
Ipamorelin
8-12 weeks
Onset Speed
Alexamorelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Ipamorelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Alexamorelin
Limited human trials
Ipamorelin
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Growth Hormone Release
Hormone Axis Stimulation
Research & Innovation
GH Selectivity
Recovery Support
Safety Profile
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Alexamorelin
Molecular Formula
C50H63N13O7
Molecular Weight
958.1 g/mol
Half-Life
Estimated 1-3 hours (rapidly metabolized to hexarelin)
Bioavailability
Active IV and orally; subcutaneous bioavailability expected moderate to good
CAS Number
196808-85-2
Ipamorelin
Molecular Formula
C38H49N9O5
Molecular Weight
711.85 g/mol
Half-Life
2 hours
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously
CAS Number
170851-70-4
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Alexamorelin
Ipamorelin
Applications
Best
suited for
Alexamorelin
Muscle Builders and Athletes
Alexamorelin's potent GH release makes it ideal for those serious about muscle gains. Its stronger ACTH response compared to hexarelin provides additional recovery benefits, though the cortisol elevation requires monitoring. The oral option is convenient for athletes avoiding injections, though subcutaneous injection remains most practical.
Research-Focused Peptide Users
If you're exploring next-generation GHS compounds, alexamorelin offers a fascinating case study: it's a prodrug that becomes hexarelin in your body, offering a unique window into peptide metabolism. This makes it valuable for understanding how compound modifications affect potency and half-life.
Synergistic Stack Enthusiasts
Alexamorelin shines when stacked with GHRH, creating synergistic GH release that exceeds either alone. It also pairs well with recovery-focused peptides like BPC-157, making it the centerpiece of comprehensive growth protocols.
Ipamorelin
Clean GH Boost Seekers
If you want the benefits of increased growth hormone without spiking cortisol or other stress hormones, Ipamorelin is uniquely selective. Unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, it won't raise your cortisol levels even at doses 200 times higher than needed for GH release.
Recovery-Focused Athletes
Ipamorelin shines for athletes who want better recovery between training sessions. The GH boost helps repair muscle tissue faster, and since it doesn't mess with other hormones, you can use it consistently without the rollercoaster effects.
Anti-Aging Enthusiasts
Growth hormone naturally declines as we age, contributing to muscle loss, fat gain, and reduced vitality. Ipamorelin offers a gentle way to restore more youthful GH levels without the risks of actual HGH therapy.
Those Recovering from Steroid Use
Research shows Ipamorelin can help counteract the muscle and bone-weakening effects of glucocorticoid medications. If you've been on steroids for medical reasons, this peptide may help you rebuild what you've lost.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Alexamorelin
Common
- Increased Hunger
- Water Retention
- Injection Site Reactions
Uncommon
- Cortisol-Related Mood Changes
- Joint or Muscle Aches
Serious
- Allergic Reaction
Ipamorelin
Common
- Mild headache
- Injection site reactions
- Water retention
- Increased appetite
Uncommon
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Joint stiffness
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Alexamorelin
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Alexamorelin is a research compound with only one small human study (6 subjects), making it much less proven than hexarelin. While it shows promise as a potent GH releaser, the limited human evidence means we don't fully understand long-term effects, optimal dosing in different populations, or rare side effects. Its unique stronger ACTH and aldosterone effects require careful monitoring. Always start low and monitor how your body responds.
Contraindications
- xActive malignancy or cancer history (GH stimulation concern)
- xUncontrolled diabetes or severe glucose dysregulation
- xSevere cardiovascular disease or unmanaged hypertension
- xPregnancy or nursing
Ipamorelin
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Ipamorelin has shown a favorable safety profile in both animal and human studies. What makes it stand out is its remarkable selectivity—it releases growth hormone without significantly affecting cortisol, ACTH, or other hormones. In clinical trials, it was well-tolerated with mostly mild, temporary side effects. Phase 2 trials in patients recovering from surgery showed no significant safety concerns compared to placebo.
Contraindications
- xActive cancer or history of cancer
- xPregnancy or breastfeeding
- xPituitary disorders or tumors
- xKnown allergy to peptide components
- xChildren and adolescents (growth plates still open)
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Alexamorelin if...
- Maximizing growth hormone release for muscle building
- Cycling with other peptides for synergistic GH stack effects
- Research into next-generation GHS compounds
- Understanding prodrug metabolism in peptide design
Choose Ipamorelin if...
- Muscle recovery and growth
- Anti-aging and vitality
- Body composition improvement
- Sleep quality enhancement