GHRP-2 Dosing: 100-300mcg Community Protocol

GHRP-2 (pralmorelin, KP-102) is one of the most clinically studied growth hormone releasing peptides. Originally developed as a diagnostic tool for GH deficiency, it has become a reference compound for understanding how synthetic ghrelin mimetics drive pulsatile GH release. GHRP-2 is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use. This is not medical advice.

Note: GHRP-2 is NOT in the cheat sheet. The protocol below is a Community Protocol based on clinical research data and community experience.

Quick Reference: Community Protocol

Most common approach: 100-200 mcg per injection (the clinical research range), 2-3 times daily on empty stomach. Common timing: morning fasted, pre-workout, and before bed.

For the full GHRP-2 peptide profile, vendor pricing, and stack protocols, see our GHRP-2 peptide page.

Cycling Details

GHRP-2 doesn't use loading phases. Run consistent 100-300 mcg doses, 2-3 times daily, 5 days on / 2 days off. A five-day treatment study showed response attenuation with consecutive daily use (Raun et al., 1998), making the 5-on/2-off pattern important.

8 weeks on, 8 weeks off for long-term cycling. The short half-life (~15-30 minutes) means each injection provides an acute GH pulse rather than sustained elevation.

Empty stomach essential: Inject 30-60 minutes before eating or 2+ hours after meals. Elevated blood glucose and free fatty acids significantly blunt the GH response.

Common timing: Morning fasted + before bed (2x/day), or morning fasted + pre-workout + before bed (3x/day).

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous injection (standard): Belly fat, thigh, or anywhere with SC tissue. Volume: 0.1-0.2 mL with insulin syringe (29-31 gauge). Rotate sites.

Reconstitution Quick Reference

Math: 10,000 mcg / 5 mL = 2,000 mcg/mL. For 200 mcg: 200 / 2,000 = 0.1 mL = 10 units. One vial lasts 50 doses at 200 mcg.

Swirl gently -- do not shake. Refrigerate at 2-8°C and use within 28 days. For step-by-step instructions, see the Reconstitution Calculator.

Where These Numbers Come From

Unlike many research peptides, GHRP-2 community doses closely align with published clinical research.

Diagnostic testing: 100 mcg (1 mcg/kg) is the standard dose for GH deficiency diagnosis, producing robust GH pulses in healthy individuals (PMID: 17609397).

Research studies: 200 mcg (2-3 mcg/kg) used in studies examining GH secretory dynamics (PMID: 18703567).

Plateau effect: Higher doses (300+ mcg) don't increase GH proportionally but do increase cortisol and prolactin side effects.

GH response data: Peak GH levels of 30-80 ng/mL at 100-200 mcg doses. Time to peak: 30-60 minutes. Duration: 2-3 hours elevated. Synergy with GHRH: 3-10x greater response when combined.

Why doses align with research: GHRP-2 is approved in Japan as pralmorelin for GH testing. This established effective dose ranges directly, unlike most peptides that require extrapolation from animal studies.

Stacking Protocols

GHRP-2 + GHRH synergy leverages two different receptor pathways: GHRP-2 via GHSR-1a (calcium/PKC) and CJC-1295 via GHRHR (cAMP/PKA) (Veldhuis et al., 2009).

For comprehensive stacking strategies, see our Peptide Stacking Guide.

Side Effects & Safety

• Cortisol elevation -- transient ACTH/cortisol increase via HPA axis; dose-dependent, mild at 100-200 mcg
• Prolactin elevation -- less than hexarelin, more than ipamorelin; returns to baseline within 2-3 hours
• Appetite stimulation -- ghrelin mimetic effect, peaks 20-30 min post-injection; milder than GHRP-6
• Water retention -- mild, GH-mediated sodium retention
• Desensitization -- consecutive daily use leads to response attenuation (hence 5 on / 2 off)
• Injection site reactions -- standard for SC peptides

GHRP family comparison:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard GHRP-2 dose?

100-300 mcg per injection, 2-3 times daily on empty stomach, 5 on / 2 off, 8 weeks on / 8 weeks off. This matches clinical doses of 1-2 mcg/kg.

Should I take GHRP-2 on an empty stomach?

Yes -- 30-60 minutes before eating or 2+ hours after meals. Blood glucose and free fatty acids blunt GH response.

Does GHRP-2 cause hunger like GHRP-6?

Milder. GHRP-2 causes mild appetite stimulation that peaks 20-30 minutes post-injection. GHRP-6 causes significantly more hunger.

Can GHRP-2 be stacked with CJC-1295?

Yes -- the most evidence-supported GHRP + GHRH stack. Synergistic GH release 3-10x greater than either alone.

Does GHRP-2 increase cortisol?

Yes -- dose-dependent ACTH and cortisol elevation via hypothalamic CRF pathways. Typically mild at standard doses.

What's the difference between GHRP-2 and ipamorelin?

GHRP-2 produces stronger GH release but with more cortisol/prolactin elevation. Ipamorelin is more selective with minimal side effects but less potent. See our GHRP comparison guide.

Does GHRP-2 suppress natural GH production?

No -- it stimulates endogenous production through the pituitary. However, chronic use may desensitize GHSR-1a receptors, making cycling important.

Related Guides

• GHRP-2 Peptide Page -- Full profile, vendor pricing, and comparisons
• GHRH vs GHRP -- Mechanistic breakdown of the two peptide classes
• Ipamorelin vs GHRP-2 vs GHRP-6 -- Three-way GHRP comparison
• CJC-1295 No DAC Dosing Guide -- GHRH analog for stacking
• Hexarelin Dosing Guide -- Strongest GHRP comparison
• Peptide Stacking Guide -- How to combine peptides
• Calculate Your GHRP-2 Cycle Cost -- estimate vials needed and total cost
• Best Peptides for Muscle Growth (2026) -- all 10 muscle-building peptides ranked

References

For educational and research purposes only. This is not medical advice. GHRP-2 is a research compound not approved for therapeutic use.