Frequently asked questions
General
What is DosingReference?
DosingReference is an independent educational reference for research peptides. We publish reconstitution guides, sample dosing techniques and research backed background, drawn from published clinical literature, FDA labeling and peer reviewed studies rather than forums or marketing copy.
Is this medical advice?
No. Everything here is for research and educational use only. Nothing on the site is meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making any decision about peptides or other compounds.
Do you sell peptides?
No. DosingReference does not sell, ship or supply peptides or any research material. We are an information site. Some of the supplier links are affiliate links, and DosingReference earns a commission on qualifying orders. That never shapes what we publish.
What are single peptides and blends?
A single peptide is one compound in a vial, like BPC-157 or retatrutide. A blend is two or more peptides pre mixed in one vial, like CJC-1295 with ipamorelin, which changes the dose math because a single solution holds more than one active ingredient. Our library covers both.
How do I request a compound you do not cover?
We add compounds regularly. If there is one you want to see, reach out with the name and vial size and we will look at adding it.
Reconstitution and dosing
What is reconstitution?
It is the term for dissolving a freeze dried peptide powder into a liquid, usually bacteriostatic water. The amount of water sets the concentration, which is the relationship the dosing figures on this site are built on. It is explained here as background on the research, not as instructions for preparing anything.
What is bacteriostatic water?
Sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The benzyl alcohol holds off bacteria, so a mixed vial stays usable for many doses over days or weeks when stored right. It is the standard diluent for freeze dried peptides.
How much bacteriostatic water should I use?
It depends on the compound and vial size. Each compound page lists a suggested amount, usually picked to land on a round concentration that keeps the dose math simple, often 1, 2 or 3 mL. The calculator will work out the exact draw for any amount you choose.
What is the difference between IU and mg?
mg is weight, how much peptide powder is in the vial. IU, international units, measure biological strength for certain peptides like HGH and HCG, where weight and activity have been standardized. For HGH the rough conversion is about 3 IU per mg. Most peptides are not dosed in IU; they use mg or mcg.
What is the difference between mcg and mg?
1 mg is 1,000 mcg. Many peptides are dosed in micrograms because the active amounts are tiny. A 250 mcg dose is the same as 0.25 mg. Always check which one a protocol means, since mixing them up is a 1,000 fold error.
What do the syringe units mean?
On a U-100 syringe, 100 units is 1 mL, so each unit mark is 0.01 mL. The important thing to know is that these are volume marks, not a dose and not international units. What a given mark represents in peptide terms depends on the concentration. See the units guide for how weight, volume and potency relate. This is background on the research, not usage instructions.
How do I use the calculator?
Enter the total peptide in your vial, the bac water you added, and your target dose. It returns the exact volume to draw and how many doses the vial holds. It works for any compound and vial size.
Storage and handling
How do I store peptides before reconstitution?
Keep dry, freeze dried peptides cool, dry and out of light. The fridge at 2 to 8 °C is ideal for the long term, and many can be frozen for even longer. Check the specific compound's notes.
How do I store reconstituted peptides?
Once mixed with bac water, refrigerate at 2 to 8 °C and usually use within 25 to 30 days depending on the compound. Never freeze a mixed peptide, since ice crystals can degrade it. Keep the vial upright and do not shake it.
How long do reconstituted peptides last?
Most stay stable for about 25 to 30 days refrigerated with bac water, and some hold longer. If you used plain sterile water with no preservative, use it within a day or two.
Using our references
How do I read a compound page?
Each page follows the same shape: an overview of what the compound is and what it is studied for, a sample dosing technique, reconstitution sized to the vial, storage, what the literature reports and references. The calculator lets you match any of it to your own vial.
Are your references peer reviewed?
The pages themselves are not peer reviewed like a journal article, but the dosing, mechanisms and safety notes are drawn from peer reviewed literature, FDA labeling, clinical trial data and standard pharmacology references, with citations on the page.
Safety and legal
Are peptides legal?
It depends on the country, the state and the specific peptide. In the US many are sold as research chemicals not intended for human use. A few, like semaglutide, HGH and HCG, are FDA approved prescription drugs in clinical use. Some carry specific limits; for example, federal law restricts HGH distribution for non medical human use. Check your local rules.
Are peptides banned in sport?
Many are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, including growth hormone, GH secretagogues like CJC-1295 and ipamorelin, GH fragments and others. If you compete in a tested sport, check the current WADA Prohibited List first.
What are common side effects?
They vary a lot by compound. Common ones across many peptides are injection site reactions, headaches, nausea and fatigue. GH related peptides can add water retention, joint pain and blood sugar shifts. Each compound page has a compound specific safety section.
Can I combine peptides?
Some are commonly used together, and blends cover the pre mixed ones, but combining anything adds complexity and possible interactions. Where we note combinations, we say which have research behind them and which are more experimental. Talk to a healthcare professional before combining compounds.