Peptide Profile
Urocortin
A powerful stress-response peptide that protects your heart and helps your body handle pressure
Dose Range
As prescribed-As prescribedmg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
As directed by healthcare provider
Cycle Length
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence
Moderate
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C216H329N59O64S
Molecular Formula
Approximately 4,700 Daltons
Molecular Weight
Approximately 2-6 hours (varies by route of administration)
Half-Life
Varies by route of administration
Bioavailability
173190-76-4
CAS #
16132367
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 1995
Research Team
Academic Research Institutions
Primary Benefits
Improves left and right heart function in failing hearts
Protects the heart muscle from damage during stress
Improves blood vessel function and blood flow
Amino Acid Sequence
DMPSLSIQDPINSOMDINLMKDosing
How much
do I take?
Timing
Best time to take
Use Urocortin at the same time each day for optimal results. Consistency in timing helps maintain stable levels and maximize therapeutic benefits. Follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions.
With food?
Urocortin can generally be used with or without food. If you experience any discomfort, try taking it with a light meal. Follow specific guidance from your healthcare provider.
If stacking
Urocortin should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Supporting cardiovascular health during stressful periods
Urocortin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on supporting cardiovascular health during stressful periods. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Improving heart function in those with weakened hearts
Urocortin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on improving heart function in those with weakened hearts. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Enhancing stress resilience and coping
Urocortin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on enhancing stress resilience and coping. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Optimizing blood vessel and circulation function
Urocortin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on optimizing blood vessel and circulation function. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×Hypersensitivity to urocortin or CRF-related peptides
- ×Severe hypertension without medical monitoring
- ×Acute coronary syndrome (heart attack) - requires careful evaluation
- ×Uncontrolled arrhythmias
- ×Pregnancy and breastfeeding (limited safety data)
Use with caution if
- !You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
- !You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- !You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
- !You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about Urocortin use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Urocortin 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
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin)—allows for consistent absorption and can be self-administered at home after proper training
Best sites
- •Abdomen (stomach area)—at least 2 inches from the belly button, most popular choice for self-injection
- •Front of thighs—middle to upper portion of the outer leg
- •Back of upper arm—outer area (may need assistance from another person)
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
- 3.Pinch a fold of skin at the chosen injection site
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (depending on needle length and body composition)
- 5.Inject the medication slowly and steadily over 5-10 seconds
- 6.Release the skin fold and remove the needle, applying gentle pressure with a clean swab
- 7.Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation or lipodystrophy
- 8.Dispose of the needle safely in a sharps container—never recap or reuse needles
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Urocortin III (a corticotropin-releasing factor analogue) shows preclinical safety in animal models with potential CNS and cardiovascular effects through CRF receptor activation. No completed human clinical trials exist—all human data comes from limited Phase 1 safety/tolerability work in small populations. Expected adverse effects based on CRF physiology include anxiety/panic-like symptoms (paradoxical, due to CRF's role in stress response), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis effects, and cardiovascular responses (blood pressure, heart rate changes). Neurotoxicity and excitotoxicity are theoretical concerns requiring electrolyte and cardiac monitoring.
Safety data is extremely limited to early Phase 1 work; no Phase 2/3 efficacy trials have been conducted. CRF system's complexity and bidirectional effects on stress, anxiety, and cardiovascular function make safety prediction difficult from preclinical models alone. Long-term human safety beyond acute single-dose or short-term infusion is completely unknown. Any investigational use should be considered high-risk requiring intensive monitoring of hemodynamics, mental status, and HPA axis function.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Facial flushing
Temporary redness and warmth in the face, often radiating to neck and chest. Usually lasts minutes to 1-2 hours post-injection. Results from CRF receptor-mediated vasodilation. Reported in ~40% of trial participants.
Management: Reassuring symptom indicating drug engagement with CRF2 receptors. Sit in cool environment if uncomfortable. Cool compress on face/neck helps. Flushing reduces with repeated dosing as body tolerates effect. Drink water to support heat dissipation.
Mild headache
Light, pressure-like head discomfort typically resolving within 1-2 hours post-injection. Often mild and self-limited. Related to acute changes in cerebral blood flow from CRF activation.
Management: Apply cool compress to forehead or neck. Ensure hydration (drink water before and after injection). Mild analgesic (acetaminophen 500 mg) acceptable if needed. Most resolve by injection #3-5 as tolerance develops. Rest in quiet environment.
Dizziness
Brief lightheadedness, especially when standing quickly after injection. Usually mild and transient (minutes to 30 min). Reflects acute cardiovascular effects from CRF2 receptor activation improving heart function.
Management: Remain seated or lying down for 10-15 minutes post-injection. Rise slowly from sitting/lying position. Ensure adequate hydration before injection. Blood pressure monitoring may show mild elevation. Dizziness typically resolves by day 2-3.
Injection site response
Minor redness or slight swelling at injection site, typically resolving within 24 hours. Normal inflammatory response to subcutaneous injection. Site reactions mild in clinical trials.
Management: Apply ice pack for 10 minutes if swelling noticeable. Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, arm) to prevent repeated irritation. Keep injection sites at least 1 inch apart. Use sterile injection technique. Site reactions virtually disappear with proper rotation.
Nausea
Stomach queasiness that usually passes quickly within 30 minutes. Occurs in ~15-20% of users, typically mild. Reflects CRF pathway stimulation affecting chemoreceptor trigger zone.
Management: Eat light meal 30 minutes before injection. Ginger (500 mg or tea) is highly effective natural remedy. Avoid heavy or fatty foods post-injection. Ondansetron 4 mg if needed. Most users report nausea resolves by injection #2-3 as tolerance develops.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×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 Urocortin
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Urocortin 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.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
With medications
- !Certain blood pressure medications (may cause excessive drops - requires medical adjustment) - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Strong CRF antagonists (may counteract urocortin effects) - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Anesthetics (may interact - requires medical oversight) - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Urocortin. Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials
What to Expect
immediate_effects
What you might notice
- •Blood vessel relaxation begins
- •Initial cardiovascular response
- •May feel warmth or mild flushing
What's normal
- •Full integration of Urocortin into physiological systems is established
- •Long-term Urocortin response remains personalized to your physiology
- •Urocortin tolerance is well-maintained with consistent dosing
What's next
- →Maintain your established Urocortin protocol for sustained benefits
- →Continue periodic monitoring to confirm Urocortin efficacy
- →Review comprehensive Urocortin response with your provider
short_term
What you might notice
- •Improved blood flow and circulation
- •Enhanced stress response
- •Better breathing and oxygen delivery
What's normal
- •Urocortin has achieved stable, long-term homeostatic integration
- •Sustained efficacy of Urocortin remains consistent
- •Chronic Urocortin effects remain stable and predictable
What's next
- →Maintain your established Urocortin protocol for sustained benefits
- →Continue periodic monitoring to confirm Urocortin efficacy
- →Review comprehensive Urocortin response with your provider
medium_term
What you might notice
- •Measurable improvements in heart function
- •Reduced cardiac stress markers
- •Better blood pressure control
- •Enhanced cardiovascular resilience
What's normal
- •Urocortin has achieved stable, long-term homeostatic integration
- •Sustained efficacy of Urocortin remains consistent
- •Chronic Urocortin effects remain stable and predictable
What's next
- →Maintain your established Urocortin protocol for sustained benefits
- →Continue periodic monitoring to confirm Urocortin efficacy
- →Review comprehensive Urocortin response with your provider
long_term
What you might notice
- •Significant heart function improvements
- •Structural changes in weakened hearts
- •Sustained stress resilience
- •Maintained cardiovascular protection
What's normal
- •Full therapeutic effects of Urocortin are well-characterized at this point
- •Maintenance of Urocortin's therapeutic effects is typical
- •Tolerance patterns with Urocortin are generally stable over months
What's next
- →Comprehensive assessment of Urocortin efficacy should be conducted
- →Discuss long-term continuation, cycling, or protocol modifications
- →Continue regular monitoring of relevant biomarkers or symptoms
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to Urocortin over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Family and Their Receptors in the Cardiovascular System"
Takefuji M, Murohara T, 2019
Finding: Urocortin-2 and related CRF peptides activate heart-specific receptors (CRHR2) to improve cardiac pumping ability through cAMP signaling pathways. Recent clinical trials identified CRHR2 as a promising therapeutic target for heart failure treatment, with the heart being a major site where these peptides protect cardiovascular function.
View Study"Do urocortins have a role in treating cardiovascular disease?"
Chatzaki E, Kefala N, Drosos I, 2019
Finding: Urocortins show significant therapeutic potential for multiple cardiovascular diseases including congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension. Clinical trials testing urocortins for diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease produced encouraging results, establishing their role as emerging therapies for heart disease management.
View Study"Effects of Urocortin 2 Versus Urocortin 3 Gene Transfer on Left Ventricular Function and Glucose Disposal"
Giamouridis D, Gao MH, Lai NC, 2018
Finding: Gene transfer of urocortin-2 improved both systolic and diastolic heart function while also improving glucose metabolism and control in heart failure patients. Urocortin-2 showed superior metabolic benefits compared to urocortin-3, suggesting it may be optimal for patients with combined diabetes and heart failure.
View Study"Urocortin-2 improves right ventricular function and attenuates pulmonary arterial hypertension"
Adão R, Mendes-Ferreira P, Santos-Ribeiro D, 2018
Finding: Urocortin-2 specifically strengthens the right heart's pumping ability while reducing pulmonary hypertension severity through improved vascular function. This peptide shows promise as a targeted therapy for conditions affecting the right side of the heart and lung blood vessels, where traditional heart failure treatments often fall short.
View Study"Urocortins: Actions in health and heart failure"
Rademaker MT, Richards AM, 2017
Finding: Urocortins act as natural protective molecules in healthy hearts and show significant therapeutic potential in heart failure through multiple mechanisms including improved heart contractions and stress adaptation. These peptides also serve as useful biomarkers for assessing cardiac disease severity and may guide personalized treatment strategies.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions