Peptide Dosing Calculations
Accurate dosing calculations are essential for valid research. Learn the formulas and methods for precise peptide measurements.
This guide is for educational purposes about research methodology. Always follow proper protocols and regulations.
Basic Concepts
Unit Conversions
Before calculating, understand the units:
- 1 mg (milligram) = 1000 mcg (micrograms)
- 1 mL (milliliter) = 1 cc (cubic centimeter)
- 1 mL = 100 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
Understanding Insulin Syringes
Most peptide research uses U-100 insulin syringes:
- U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1mL
- 1 unit = 0.01mL
- Common sizes: 0.3mL (30 units), 0.5mL (50 units), 1mL (100 units)
The Master Formula
Concentration = Peptide Amount ÷ Water Volume
Step 1: Calculate Concentration
After reconstitution, determine your concentration:
Example:
5mg peptide + 2mL bacteriostatic water
5mg ÷ 2mL = 2.5mg/mL
Converting to mcg: 2.5mg × 1000 = 2500mcg/mL
Step 2: Calculate Volume for Desired Dose
Volume Needed = Desired Dose ÷ Concentration
Example:
You want 250mcg dose from a 2500mcg/mL solution
250mcg ÷ 2500mcg/mL = 0.1mL
0.1mL × 100 units/mL = 10 units on insulin syringe
Quick Reference Calculator
Common Reconstitution Scenarios
5mg peptide + 1mL water = 5000mcg/mL
| Dose | Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 100mcg | 0.02mL | 2 units |
| 250mcg | 0.05mL | 5 units |
| 500mcg | 0.10mL | 10 units |
5mg peptide + 2mL water = 2500mcg/mL
| Dose | Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 100mcg | 0.04mL | 4 units |
| 250mcg | 0.10mL | 10 units |
| 500mcg | 0.20mL | 20 units |
10mg peptide + 2mL water = 5000mcg/mL (same ratios as first table)
BPC-157 Calculation Example
BPC-157 commonly comes in 5mg vials. Typical research doses range from 200-500mcg.
Setup:
- 5mg BPC-157 vial
- Add 2mL BAC water
- Concentration: 5mg ÷ 2mL = 2.5mg/mL = 2500mcg/mL
For a 250mcg dose:
250mcg ÷ 2500mcg/mL = 0.1mL = 10 units
Vial will provide: 2mL ÷ 0.1mL = 20 doses of 250mcg
Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 Example
Growth hormone secretagogues often dosed together.
Ipamorelin Setup:
- 5mg Ipamorelin vial + 2.5mL BAC water
- Concentration: 5mg ÷ 2.5mL = 2000mcg/mL
For a 200mcg dose:
200mcg ÷ 2000mcg/mL = 0.1mL = 10 units
Semaglutide Example
GLP-1 agonists use milligram-level doses, often weekly.
Setup:
- 5mg Semaglutide vial + 2mL BAC water
- Concentration: 5mg ÷ 2mL = 2.5mg/mL
For a 0.25mg (250mcg) dose:
0.25mg ÷ 2.5mg/mL = 0.1mL = 10 units
For a 0.5mg dose: 0.5mg ÷ 2.5mg/mL = 0.2mL = 20 units
Tips for Accurate Dosing
Choose Appropriate Water Volume
Select a reconstitution volume that makes your target dose easy to measure:
- If your dose requires less than 5 units, add more water for easier measurement
- Larger volumes (10+ units) are easier to measure accurately
- Very small volumes increase measurement error
Use the Right Syringe Size
- 0.3mL syringe: Best for doses under 30 units (finer graduations)
- 0.5mL syringe: Good for doses 10-50 units
- 1mL syringe: For larger volumes (less precise for small doses)
Double-Check Your Math
- Always verify calculations before drawing
- Write down your concentration and keep it with the vial
- Use a calculator app rather than mental math
Common Calculation Mistakes
Confusing mg and mcg
Remember: 1mg = 1000mcg. A 500mcg dose is 0.5mg, not 500mg.
Forgetting Unit Conversion
Always convert to the same units before calculating. If concentration is in mg/mL and dose is in mcg, convert one first.
Misreading Syringe Graduations
Each small line on a U-100 syringe represents 1 unit (0.01mL). Count carefully, especially for small doses.
Reconstitution Guide • Storage Guidelines • Stability & Shelf Life