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Semax (10mg Vial) Dosage Protocol

Contents

Quickstart Highlights

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4–10) developed in Russia and studied primarily for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection[1][2]. While intranasal administration is most common in clinical literature, subcutaneous injection offers a convenient once‑daily alternative for research purposes[1][4]. This educational protocol presents a practical SC approach using straightforward reconstitution for accurate insulin‑syringe measurements.

  • Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water (max vial capacity) → ~3.33 mg/mL concentration.
  • Typical daily range: 300–800 mcg once daily (gradual titration recommended).
  • Easy measuring: At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 33.3 mcg on a U‑100 insulin syringe.
  • Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); avoid freeze–thaw cycles[2][9].
Semax (10mg Vial)
📘 Important: Before viewing any protocol, please consult our Prep & Injection Guide for essential preparation and safety instructions.

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Educational guide for reconstitution and weekly dosing

Standard / Gradual Approach (3 mL = ~3.33 mg/mL)

Week Daily Dose (mcg) Units (per injection) (mL)
Weeks 1–2 300 mcg 9 units (0.09 mL)
Weeks 3–4 500 mcg 15 units (0.15 mL)
Weeks 5–6 600 mcg 18 units (0.18 mL)
Weeks 7–8 800 mcg 24 units (0.24 mL)

For ≤10‑unit (≤0.10 mL) administrations, consider 30‑ or 50‑unit insulin syringes for improved readability.

Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously[1][4]. This schedule uses the largest practical dilution (3.0 mL) to ensure per‑injection volumes are accurate and manageable. Most human nootropic studies use intranasal dosing in the range of 400–900 mcg/day divided into multiple administrations[2][3]; this SC protocol delivers comparable total daily amounts in a single injection for convenience.

Reconstitution Steps

  1. Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
  2. Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
  3. Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake vigorously).
  4. Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light[2].
Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

Supplies Needed

Plan based on an 8–16 week daily protocol with gradual titration.

  • Peptide Vials (Semax, 10 mg each):
    • 8 weeks ≈ 4 vials
    • 12 weeks ≈ 6 vials
    • 16 weeks ≈ 8 vials
  • Insulin Syringes (U‑100):
    • Per week: 7 syringes (1/day)
    • 8 weeks: 56 syringes
    • 12 weeks: 84 syringes
    • 16 weeks: 112 syringes
  • Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use ~3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
    • 8 weeks (4 vials): 12 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
    • 12 weeks (6 vials): 18 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
    • 16 weeks (8 vials): 24 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
  • Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
    • Per week: 14 swabs (2/day)
    • 8 weeks: 112 swabs → recommend 2 × 100‑count boxes
    • 12 weeks: 168 swabs → recommend 2 × 100‑count boxes
    • 16 weeks: 224 swabs → recommend 3 × 100‑count boxes
Peptide Vial
Insulin Syringes
Bacteriostatic Water
Alcohol Pads

Protocol Overview

Concise summary of the once‑daily SC regimen.

  • Goal: Support cognitive function, attention, and neuroprotective pathways studied in clinical literature[2][5].
  • Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 8 weeks (extend to 12–16 weeks with cycling if desired)[4].
  • Dose Range: 300–800 mcg daily with gradual titration; aligns with typical human nootropic dosing ranges[2][3].
  • Reconstitution: 3.0 mL per 10 mg vial (~3.33 mg/mL) for accurate unit measurements.
  • Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; use within 30 days[2][9].

Dosing Protocol

Suggested daily titration approach.

  • Start: 300 mcg daily; increase by ~100–200 mcg every 1–2 weeks as tolerated.
  • Target: 600–800 mcg daily by Weeks 5–8; adjust based on individual response.
  • Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous)[1][4].
  • Cycle Length: 8 weeks continuous; optional extension to 12–16 weeks with off‑periods (e.g., 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off)[4].
  • Timing: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites systematically.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage preserves peptide quality.

  • Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions[9]; minimize moisture exposure.
  • Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); stable for up to 30 days[2][9]; avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
  • Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
  • Protect from light; wrap vials in foil or store in an opaque container[9].

Important Notes

Practical considerations for consistency and safety.

  • Use new sterile insulin syringes for each injection; dispose in a sharps container[7].
  • Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) at least 1–2 inches from previous sites to reduce local irritation[7].
  • Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
  • Document daily dose, injection time, and site rotation to maintain consistency.
  • Most human data are for 4–8 weeks of continuous use; longer protocols should incorporate rest periods[4].

How This Works

Semax is a synthetic analog of the ACTH(4–10) fragment with a C‑terminal Pro‑Gly‑Pro tripeptide extension that enhances metabolic stability[1][5]. Clinical and preclinical literature suggest it modulates brain‑derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, enhances cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, and exhibits neuroprotective properties in models of cerebrovascular and cognitive impairment[2][5]. Human studies in Russia have employed Semax for cognitive support in conditions ranging from mild cognitive impairment to acute stroke recovery, typically using intranasal administration[2][3][6]. Subcutaneous delivery offers an alternative route with potentially more sustained systemic absorption[1][4]

Lifestyle Factors

Complementary strategies for optimal cognitive support.

  • Maintain consistent sleep schedules and prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night.
  • Engage in regular aerobic exercise and cognitive training to reinforce neuroplastic adaptations.
  • Follow a balanced diet rich in omega‑3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and micronutrients that support brain health.
  • Manage stress through mindfulness, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
  • Stay mentally active with challenging tasks, learning new skills, and social engagement.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Observations from preclinical and clinical literature.

  • May support attention, memory consolidation, and learning in clinical populations with cognitive deficits[2][5].
  • Studied in neurological conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and optic neuropathy with favorable safety profiles in month‑long human trials[2][3][6].
  • Generally well tolerated; intranasal administration may cause minor nasal irritation; subcutaneous injection may produce mild injection‑site reactions (redness, itching).
  • No significant elevations in cortisol or other adverse endocrine effects reported in clinical studies[2].
  • Effects are dose‑dependent; titration helps identify the minimum effective dose for individual response[2].

Injection Technique

General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best‑practice resources[7][8][9].

  • Clean the vial stopper and injection site with alcohol swabs; allow to dry completely.
  • Pinch a 1–2 inch skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue (angle depends on needle length and fat layer)[7].
  • Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily[7][8].
  • Withdraw the needle at the same angle; apply gentle pressure with clean gauze (do not rub vigorously)[7].
  • Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy or tissue irritation; maintain at least 1–2 inches between injection sites[7].
  • Dispose of used syringes immediately in a proper sharps container[7].

Recommended Source

We recommend Prime Lab Peptides for high‑purity Semax (10 mg).

Why Prime Lab Peptides?

  • High‑purity, third‑party‑tested lots with batch certificates of analysis (COAs).
  • Consistent, ISO‑aligned handling and documentation for research‑grade peptides.
  • Reliable fulfillment with proper cold‑chain protocols to maintain peptide integrity.

Important Note

This content is intended for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

References


  • Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology (Springer)
    — Comparative study of Semax administration routes (intranasal vs. subcutaneous) in animal models
    View Source

  • Vidal Drug Reference (Russia)
    — Official prescribing information for Semax 0.1% intranasal drops; human dosing guidelines and administration schedules
    View Source

  • Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry (Russia)
    — Clinical trial of Semax in ischemic stroke patients (6,000 mcg/day intranasal protocol with cycling)
    View Source

  • Peptides.org
    — Semax dosage overview, cycling recommendations, and protocol duration guidance
    View Source

  • Journal of Higher Nervous Activity (Russia)
    — Early human study introducing Semax’s nootropic properties and mechanism of action
    View Source

  • Vestnik Oftalmologii (Russian Ophthalmology Journal)
    — Human study of Semax in glaucomatous optic neuropathy; 30‑day safety data
    View Source

  • Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center
    — Clinical guide to subcutaneous injection technique (preparation, angle, site rotation)
    View Source

  • CDC
    — Vaccine administration guidelines for subcutaneous injections (angle, no aspiration)
    View Source

  • Pharmaceutics (MDPI)
    — Overview of Russian peptide drugs including Semax; formulation stability and storage considerations
    View Source

  • Drug Testing and Analysis (Wiley)
    — Review of nootropic peptides including Semax; discussion of human intranasal use patterns
    View Source