Bovine cerebral cortex-derived polypeptide preparation with nootropic, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties used clinically in Russia for cerebrovascular disorders, cognitive impairment, and pediatric neurology
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Intramuscular (IM)
Route
3 recommended
Sites
Once daily
Frequency
Preparation
Cortexin vial (lyophilized powder or solution)
Bacteriostatic water or sterile sodium chloride for reconstitution
Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
Appropriately sized syringes with fine-gauge needles (27-30 gauge)
Sharps disposal container
Pro tip
Prepare all supplies on a clean surface before you begin. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more sterile.
Mixing
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather all supplies on a clean, flat surface.
Remove the plastic cap from the peptide vial and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab. Let it air dry.
Draw the appropriate amount of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Insert the needle into the vial at an angle, aiming at the inside wall of the vial. Slowly push the plunger to let the water trickle down the glass wall -- do NOT squirt directly onto the powder.
Once all water is added, gently swirl the vial in a slow circular motion. Never shake the vial, as this can damage the peptide bonds.
Continue swirling until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear. If particles remain, let the vial sit for a few minutes and swirl again.
Label the vial with the date of reconstitution, the peptide name, and the concentration (e.g. 250mcg per 0.1mL).
Example calculation
Add the recommended volume of bacteriostatic water to the Cortexin vial. Gently swirl (do not shake) until the powder is fully dissolved. The resulting solution should be clear. Calculate your individual dose based on the concentration and your prescribed amount.
Dose calculation
Your dose of Cortexin is determined by your healthcare provider. Using an insulin syringe marked in units, draw up the exact amount prescribed. For example, if the reconstituted concentration is 1mg/mL and your dose is 0.5mg, draw up 0.5mL (50 units on an insulin syringe). Always double-check calculations before injection.
Pro tip
Always add the bacteriostatic water slowly, letting it run down the side of the vial. Never shake the vial -- swirl gently to avoid damaging the peptide.
Location
Site 01
Abdomen
Pinch the skin 2 inches from navel. Avoid the area directly around the belly button. Rotate between left and right sides.
Site 02
Outer Thigh
Middle third of the outer thigh. Keep at least 4 inches above the knee and below the hip. Alternate legs each injection.
Site 03
Upper Arm
Back or outer area of the upper arm. This site may require assistance from another person for proper technique.
Rotate between 3 sites to prevent tissue buildup and ensure consistent absorption.
Pro tip
Rotate your injection sites with each dose to prevent lipohypertrophy (buildup of fatty tissue). Keep a simple log of where you last injected.
Step by step
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
Pinch a fold of skin at the chosen injection site
Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (depending on needle length and body composition)
Inject the medication slowly and steadily over 5-10 seconds
Release the skin fold and remove the needle, applying gentle pressure with a clean swab
Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation or lipodystrophy
Dispose of the needle safely in a sharps container—never recap or reuse needles
Pro tip
This peptide uses subcutaneous injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin)—allows for consistent absorption and can be self-administered at home after proper training. Inject at a 45-90 degree angle into pinched skin. Aspirate before injecting to ensure you haven't hit a blood vessel.
Timing
Optimal timing
Best time
Morning administration is recommended to avoid potential agitation or sleep disturbance. If two injections per day are prescribed, give the second injection no later than mid-afternoon.
With food?
Administration is by injection and independent of food intake.
Stacking notes
If combining Cortexin with other peptides or supplements, space administrations by at least 15-30 minutes when possible. Consult with a healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications.
Sample daily schedule
As prescribed (once daily)
As prescribed by your healthcare provider injection
Site: Intramuscular (IM) injection—rotate sites if applicable
Maintain a consistent schedule for optimal results with Cortexin. Set reminders if needed. If you miss a dose, follow your healthcare provider's instructions—do not double up on doses to compensate.
Dosing tiers
Dose
10 mg
Frequency
Once daily
Duration
10 days per course; repeat in 3-6 months if needed
The standard adult dose per the manufacturer instructions. The 10 mg vial is dissolved in 1-2 mL of saline, water for injection, or 0.5% procaine and injected into a muscle. Children under 20 kg get 0.5 mg/kg. [6]
Preservation
Before mixing
Store Cortexin in the refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C) in its original packaging. Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Check the expiration date before use. Some formulations may be stored at room temperature for limited periods—check your specific product labeling.
After mixing
Once reconstituted, Cortexin should be kept refrigerated at 36-46°F (2-8°C) and used within the timeframe specified on your product labeling (typically 14-28 days). Label the vial with the reconstitution date. Do not use if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
Shelf life after mixing
Use within the timeframe specified on product labeling (typically 14-28 days refrigerated)
Signs of degradation
Discard the vial immediately if you notice any of these:
Solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles (should be clear)
Product has been exposed to temperatures outside the recommended storage range
Product has been frozen (unless specifically designed for freeze-thaw stability)
Expiration date has passed or reconstituted solution has exceeded its use-by date
Unusual odor, color change, or visible contamination
Important
When to stop
Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Cortexin
Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Cortexin should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Clean technique checklist
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
Swab vial tops and injection site with alcohol and let dry
Never touch the needle tip or allow it to contact non-sterile surfaces
Use a new syringe and needle for each injection
Dispose of used sharps in a proper sharps container
Store reconstituted peptides according to the storage instructions above
Published research
Gulyaeva NV · 2018
Cortexin works through multiple protective mechanisms: it balances the oxidative stress that damages aging brains, turns off destructive inflammatory proteins, and binds directly to key structural proteins in brain cells. This multi-pronged approach is what makes the peptide complex so effective at protecting neural tissue from damage.
Gomazkov OA · 2015
Cortexin's brain peptides act like a multi-tool repair kit, protecting neurons at every level from chemical signals between cells all the way up to controlling which genes get turned on in the nucleus. This comprehensive approach means the drug can protect the brain from damage in many different ways simultaneously.
Kurkin DV, Bakulin DA, Morkovin EI et al. · 2025
When given to developing animals with brain damage, Cortexin improved motor control and reduced structural brain injury whether injected into muscle or delivered rectally. Scientists proved the peptides actually enter the bloodstream and penetrate the brain's protective barrier using radioactive tracer studies.
Tyurenkov IN, Kurkin DV, Kalatanova AV et al. · 2020
Cortexin matched the memory-restoring power of Cerebrolysin in rats with chronic stroke-like brain damage, and the benefits lasted for 10 days even after treatment stopped. Both drugs fixed the damaged memory centers in the brain equally well, suggesting Cortexin is a potent alternative for brain ischemia.
Mashin VV, Belova LA, Kotova EY et al. · 2023
In a study of 801 patients with chronic blood flow problems to the brain, Cortexin combined with another treatment boosted mental test scores, melted away depression, and cut brain damage markers in half. This real-world evidence from hundreds of patients confirms the drug's brain-protecting power works in humans.
2020
Standard regimen: 10 mg intramuscularly once daily for 10 days for adults; children under 20 kg receive 0.5 mg/kg, children over 20 kg receive 10 mg, once daily for 10 days. A repeat course may follow in 3-6 months. Vial reconstituted in 1-2 mL of 0.5% procaine, water for injection, or 0.9% saline.
GEROPHARM; Vidal Russia · 2026
Official Russian label: polypeptides of cattle cerebral cortex, 10 mg per vial with 22 mg glycine as stabilizer; nootropic, neuroprotective and antioxidant action with modulation of neurotransmitter balance. Indications include stroke, traumatic brain injury and its sequelae, encephalopathies, cognitive disorders, epilepsy, developmental delays and cerebral palsy in combination therapy. Contraindicated in hypersensitivity and in pregnancy/lactation for lack of clinical data.
Kholin AA, Zavadenko NN, Il'ina ES, et al. · 2017
84 children aged 1-11 with cerebral palsy combined with epilepsy received cortexin 5-10 mg IM as add-on to antiepileptic drugs: seizure frequency more than halved with motor improvement in 36.9%, motor improvement alone in 17.8%, seizure reduction alone in 16.7%; aggravation in one patient (1.2%). The authors conclude cortexin demonstrated efficacy and safety as adjunctive therapy in this population.
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