Peptide Comparison
CapromorelinvsIpamorelin
An oral ghrelin agonist originally developed by Pfizer that stimulates growth hormone and appetite. FDA-approved for veterinary use (Entyce and Elura) and investigated in human trials for age-related muscle wasting and appetite support.
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
Capromorelin
3–30 mg
Ipamorelin
100–300 mcg
Frequency
Capromorelin
Once daily
Ipamorelin
Multiple times daily
Administration
Capromorelin
Oral (capsule or tablet)
Ipamorelin
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Capromorelin
4-6 weeks
Ipamorelin
8-12 weeks
Onset Speed
Capromorelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Ipamorelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Capromorelin
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Ipamorelin
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
GH & IGF-1 Stimulation
Physical Function
Oral Convenience
GH Selectivity
Recovery Support
Safety Profile
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Capromorelin
Molecular Formula
C28H35N5O4
Molecular Weight
505.6 g/mol
Half-Life
1-2.4 hours in humans
Bioavailability
Good oral bioavailability
CAS Number
193273-66-4
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
Capromorelin
Ipamorelin
Applications
Best
suited for
Capromorelin
Age-Related Muscle Wasting
Capromorelin showed significant improvements in physical function — including tandem walk and stair climb — in elderly adults, making it a strong candidate for combating sarcopenia.
Appetite Stimulation
As an FDA-approved veterinary appetite stimulant, capromorelin has extensive real-world evidence for boosting food intake and body weight in mammals.
Growth Hormone Research
One of the best-studied oral ghrelin agonists with human Phase 2 data, offering researchers a well-characterized tool for studying GH/IGF-1 pathways.
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
Capromorelin
Common
- Appetite stimulation
- Fluid retention and weight gain
Uncommon
- Joint and muscle aches
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Peripheral edema (swelling)
Serious
- Hyperglycemia
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
Capromorelin
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
FDA approved for this use
Safety Overview
Capromorelin was generally well-tolerated in Phase 2 human trials involving nearly 400 elderly participants. Most side effects were mild to moderate. Its FDA-approved veterinary use provides additional long-term safety data in mammalian species.
Contraindications
- xActive cancer or history of cancer (GH may stimulate growth)
- xUncontrolled diabetes or severe metabolic disorders
- xSevere liver or kidney disease
- xPregnancy and lactation
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 Capromorelin if...
- Stimulating growth hormone production in elderly adults
- Supporting appetite and weight gain in wasting conditions
- Improving muscle mass and physical performance
- Anti-aging and longevity optimization
Choose Ipamorelin if...
- Muscle recovery and growth
- Anti-aging and vitality
- Body composition improvement
- Sleep quality enhancement