MK-677 (ibutamoren) is a non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin to stimulate natural GH release. Unlike true peptides, it's orally bioavailable — no injection required. Clinical trials with human data span up to 2 years of continuous use. This is not medical advice.
Research-context information only. MK-677 is a research peptide. Protocols, doses, and reactions reported below come from published research and self-reported community sources. This article reports what has been documented, not what should be done. Consult a licensed physician for personal medical decisions.
| Parameter |
Detail |
| Dose |
10-25 mg/day |
| Route |
Oral (liquid solution or capsules) |
| Timing |
Before bed (PM) |
| Frequency |
Daily |
| Cycle |
8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off |
| Empty stomach |
Preferred but not required |
| Form |
Liquid solution or capsules |
| Reconstitution |
None — oral compound |
| Storage |
Per product label |
MK-677 has no standardized clinical dosing protocol — this is a community protocol directly informed by clinical trial data (25 mg daily used in major studies).
For the full MK-677 profile, vendor pricing, and stack protocols, see our MK-677 peptide page.
Cycling Details
Documented protocols begin at 10 mg daily for weeks 1-2 to assess tolerance. Appetite increase and water retention are most pronounced in the first 1-2 weeks. Protocols then progress to 15-25 mg daily based on response — community reports cluster around 20-25 mg for GH stimulation.
The 8-12 week on / 4 week off cycle prevents receptor desensitization, though the 2-year Nass study showed sustained effects with continuous use. MK-677's ~24 hour half-life means levels reach steady state quickly and clear within days of discontinuation.
Why before bed: Natural GH release peaks during deep sleep. Bedtime dosing aligns with this rhythm, may enhance sleep quality, and mitigates daytime appetite stimulation.
Routes of Administration
Oral (only route): MK-677 has excellent oral bioavailability (~60-70%) due to its non-peptide structure — it survives stomach acid intact. Liquid solutions (1 mL dropper dosing) are most common. Capsules provide standardized dosing. Sublingual absorption is also effective but unnecessary given oral bioavailability.
Reconstitution Quick Reference
No reconstitution needed — MK-677 is taken orally as a pre-mixed liquid solution or capsule. Community protocols describe dosing via the included volumetric dropper per the product's markings, or per capsule labeling.
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Where These Numbers Come From
MK-677 has substantial human clinical data — rare for a non-FDA-approved GH compound.
Murphy et al. (1998) showed 25 mg daily reversed diet-induced catabolism and significantly increased GH and IGF-1 levels (PMID 9467534). The landmark Nass et al. (2008) 2-year study using 25 mg daily demonstrated sustained increases in GH, IGF-1, and lean body mass with an acceptable safety profile (PMID 18981485).
This is rare in the peptide world — community doses directly mirror clinical trial dosing. 25 mg daily was the standard efficacy dose, 10 mg showed activity with diminished returns, and doses above 50 mg showed no additional benefit but increased side effects.
Stacking Protocols
| Stack |
MK-677 Dose |
Partner |
Partner Dose |
Purpose |
| Ipamorelin |
20-25 mg PM |
Ipamorelin |
200-300 mcg SC |
Ghrelin + GHRP synergy |
| CJC-1295 |
20-25 mg PM |
CJC-1295 |
1-2 mg/week SC |
Sustained GH + GHRH |
| GHRP-2/GHRP-6 |
20-25 mg PM |
GHRP |
100 mcg post-workout |
Baseline + acute spikes |
MK-677's oral route means no injection site competition. It can run longer cycles than most injectables. Community protocols and trial oversight commonly describe closer blood sugar monitoring when combining multiple GH compounds.
Side Effects & Safety
- Increased appetite — reported in the majority of trial subjects (Murphy et al., PMID 9467534), commonly pronounced in the first 1-2 weeks per community sources
- Water retention/edema — mild to moderate; community sources describe it subsiding after 2-4 weeks
- Mild insulin resistance — temporary and reversible upon discontinuation (Nass et al., PMID 18981485)
- Lethargy/fatigue — community sources report this especially in the first 2-3 weeks
- Joint stiffness — from water retention, community sources describe it as usually mild
- Elevated prolactin — community sources report this in some individuals, typically not clinically significant
- Carpal tunnel symptoms — rare, from water retention
Long-term safety (2-year Nass study): No significant changes in prostate, cardiovascular markers, or cancer incidence. The Nass et al. 2-year study described reversible mild insulin resistance and resolution toward baseline GH parameters within weeks of discontinuation.
Managing sides: Community protocols describe beginning at 10 mg, dosing before bed, managing carbohydrate intake for insulin sensitivity, and staying hydrated.
Core Supplies for This Protocol
The essentials for running any reconstituted injectable: cold storage, accurate syringes, alcohol prep pads, and metabolic tracking.
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References
| Citation |
Topic |
PMID |
| Murphy et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab (1998) |
MK-677 reverses diet-induced catabolism, GH and IGF-1 elevation |
9467534 |
| Nass et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2008) |
2-year safety study, sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation |
18981485 |
| Copinschi et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab (1997) |
IGF-1 elevation kinetics, pulsatile GH patterns |
9415999 |
| Chapman et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab (1996) |
Ghrelin receptor mechanism, appetite effects |
8770317 |
For educational and research purposes only. This is not medical advice. MK-677 is not FDA-approved for any indication and is sold as a research chemical.
