Alexamorelin dosing & administration
A next-generation growth hormone releaser that converts to hexarelin in your body for enhanced GH, cortisol, and unique aldosterone stimulation.
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Dosing
How much do I take?
Intravenous: Delivered straight into a vein through a drip (IV), done by a clinician.
Bioavailability Complete (about 100%) — delivered straight into the bloodstream.
2 documented dose levels — separate regimens, not a titration schedule
1.0 mcg/kg
Frequency
Single bolus per test session
Duration
Single-dose research study
Alexamorelin is a research growth-hormone-releasing peptide. In the main human study it was given as a single shot into a vein. The lower 1.0 mcg/kg dose raised growth hormone levels. [1]
2.0 mcg/kg
Frequency
Single bolus per test session
Duration
Single-dose research study
The higher IV dose used in the same human study produced a stronger growth hormone response. [1]
Timing
Best time to take
Morning injection on empty stomach 30-60 minutes before food maximizes GH response; second dose in late afternoon if dosing twice daily
With food?
Separate from large meals by at least 30-60 minutes; food delays or blunts response. Light snack acceptable 2+ hours after injection
If stacking
If stacking with GHRH, inject GHRH 5-10 minutes after alexamorelin for synergistic effect. Avoid other GHS compounds on same day
Adjusting your dose
Increase if
- No noticeable GH response after 5-7 days at starting dose
- Already using similar compounds and tolerated well
- Aiming for aggressive muscle-building phase with recovery capacity
Decrease if
- Excessive hunger interferes with daily life
- ACTH-related side effects (anxiety, mood changes) emerge
- Water retention becomes problematic
Signs of right dose
- Increased appetite 1-2 hours post-injection
- Noticeable energy lift and improved sleep quality
- Visible muscle pump and recovery improvement within 1-2 weeks
Administration
How do I use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection preferred for consistent GH response; intravenous only in clinical/research settings
Best sites
Storage
Before reconstitution
Lyophilized powder at 2-8°C (refrigerator) in dark, dry location. Protect from light and moisture. Properly sealed vial lasts 1-2 years.
After reconstitution
Reconstituted solution at 2-8°C with bacteriostatic water. Use within 14-30 days. Discard if cloudy, discolored, or shows particles.
Signs of degradation — discard the vial
Sample daily schedule
6:00-7:00 AM
100-150 mcg injection
Site: Lower abdomen
On empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast. This is primary GH release window when natural cortisol is rising.
4:00-5:00 PM (optional second dose)
100-150 mcg injection
Site: Alternate side of abdomen or thigh
If dosing twice daily, inject 8+ hours after morning dose. Avoids consecutive injections at same site.
Evening (optional third dose for advanced users)
100 mcg injection
Site: Upper thigh or arm
Only if using advanced 3x daily protocol. Too late in day may interfere with sleep.
Safety
Is it safe?
Side effects
Commonly reported: Increased Hunger, Water Retention, Injection Site Reactions
Less common: Cortisol-Related Mood Changes, Joint or Muscle Aches
Stop and seek help if
- Severe mood changes or anxiety that don't improve with dose adjustment
- Signs of cardiovascular stress (chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe headaches)
- Uncontrolled blood sugar elevation or worsening of diabetes
- Persistent allergic reactions or injection site infections
- Completion of planned 4-6 week cycle (take break before restarting)
- New or worsening joint problems that limit training
This is research compound information, not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have existing health conditions. Stop immediately if you experience serious side effects and seek medical attention.
Flagged pairings
- Hexarelin — Redundant since alexamorelin metabolizes to hexarelin; combining offers no additional benefit and increases side effects
- Corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone, etc.) — Alexamorelin already elevates cortisol through ACTH; combining risks excessive cortisol with serious metabolic effects
- Dopamine antagonists (antipsychotics like haloperidol) — May reduce GH response; dopamine pathways influence GHS effectiveness
- Somatostatin analogs (octreotide) — Directly block GH secretion, completely negating alexamorelin's mechanism
- Blood pressure medications — Monitor closely; aldosterone elevation may reduce antihypertensive effectiveness
- High-dose electrolyte supplements (sodium, potassium) — Aldosterone elevation already increases sodium retention; excess supplementation risks dangerous electrolyte imbalance
Published research
What the studies show
Broglio F, Benso A, Gottero C, et al. · 2000
In 6 young healthy subjects, alexamorelin showed identical GH-releasing potency to hexarelin at both IV doses (1.0 and 2.0 mcg/kg). Remarkably, alexamorelin demonstrated stronger ACTH-releasing activity than hexarelin and uniquely elevated aldosterone levels that hexarelin did not trigger. At oral 20mg dose, alexamorelin produced GH release comparable to or exceeding the same oral hexarelin dose.
Pobee E, Daziani G, Gameli PS · 2025
Alexamorelin undergoes rapid hepatic metabolism with approximately 150-fold signal decrease after just 3 hours in human hepatocyte studies. The primary metabolite formed is examorelin (hexarelin), created through C-terminal cleavage of the alanine amino acid by carboxypeptidase enzyme. This demonstrates alexamorelin functions as a prodrug that effectively converts to hexarelin within the body.
Ghigo E, Arvat E, Camanni F · 1998
Comprehensive review of GHS compounds including alexamorelin's class showing potent, dose-dependent, and reproducible GH-releasing effects across IV, subcutaneous, intranasal, and oral administration routes. GHS molecules activate the GHS receptor (ghrelin receptor) and synergize with GHRH for enhanced effects. Prolonged intermittent oral administration increases IGF-1 levels. The class shows clinical promise for GH deficiency, aging-related issues, critical illness, and muscle wasting conditions.
Head to head
Alexamorelin compared
Want the full picture?
The complete Alexamorelin research profile: mechanism of action, clinical studies, effectiveness timeline, and FAQ.