VIP Dosing: 50mcg SubQ AM/PM Protocol

VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide with regulatory roles across the immune, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. It is a cornerstone therapeutic in the Shoemaker protocol for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and is under investigation for pulmonary hypertension and neuroinflammation.

VIP is a prescription compound for CIRS protocols. Research-grade VIP is available for subcutaneous use. For a full breakdown of VIP's research-backed effects, see our VIP Benefits Guide. This is not medical advice.

Quick Reference: Standard Protocol

Standard protocol: 50 mcg subcutaneous AM and PM daily, cycled 8 weeks on / 8 weeks off. For the full VIP profile, see our VIP peptide page.

Cycling Details

The standard subcutaneous protocol runs 8 weeks on, 8 weeks off with twice-daily dosing (AM and PM). The twice-daily schedule maintains more consistent VIP levels given the peptide's relatively short half-life.

VIP's broad anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects build over weeks. The 8-week cycle provides sufficient time for meaningful immune modulation and potential circadian rhythm normalization.

Alternate Protocol: Shoemaker CIRS (Intranasal)

Note: The standard protocol above follows the cheat sheet (50 mcg SubQ). The Shoemaker protocol below uses intranasal delivery for CIRS patients and requires a prescription.

VIP is the final step in the Shoemaker protocol. Do not start VIP with active mold exposure or persistent MARCoNS colonization — it can worsen the inflammatory cascade.

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous (standard): Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Use 29-31 gauge insulin syringe. Twice-daily dosing (AM and PM) for consistent levels.

Intranasal (Shoemaker protocol): Prescription compounded spray, 50 mcg per metered spray. Direct CNS access via olfactory pathways. Requires physician supervision and lab monitoring.

Reconstitution Quick Reference

5 mg vial + 5 mL BAC water = 1 mg/mL (1,000 mcg/mL). Your 50 mcg dose is 5 units on an insulin syringe.

Swirl gently — do not shake. Refrigerate at 2-8°C, protect from light, use within 28 days.

Where These Numbers Come From

VIP has clinical evidence across multiple conditions, primarily CIRS and pulmonary hypertension.

CIRS Clinical Data (Shoemaker et al., 2013): Intranasal VIP at 50 mcg 4x daily for 30 days significantly reduced C4a and TGF-B1, improved quality of life, and restored estradiol and testosterone levels in CIRS patients who had completed all prior protocol steps.

Grey Matter Restoration (Shoemaker et al., 2017): Extended VIP therapy at 6-8 sprays/day for 12+ weeks safely restored grey matter volume in multiple brain nuclei — a landmark finding demonstrating VIP-driven neuroplasticity could reverse structural brain changes from chronic biotoxin exposure.

Pulmonary Hypertension (Petkov et al., 2003): Inhaled VIP reduced mean pulmonary artery pressure by 10-15%, increased cardiac output, and improved oxygen saturation in 8 patients with no significant side effects.

COVID-19 (Youssef et al., 2022): IV aviptadil (synthetic VIP) received FDA Fast Track Designation for critical COVID-19 respiratory failure. A 60-day RCT in 196 patients showed improved recovery and survival.

Stacking Protocols

VIP + Thymosin Alpha-1

VIP + BPC-157

Especially relevant for CIRS patients with GI involvement.

Side Effects & Safety

• Transient hypotension — slight blood pressure drop (VIP is a potent vasodilator)
• Mild headache — typically resolves within days
• Nasal irritation — intranasal route, mild burning
• Loose stools/diarrhea — VIP affects GI motility
• Facial flushing — vasodilatory effect, uncommon at standard doses
• Elevated lipase — monitor as safety marker; significant elevation warrants dose reduction
• Contraindicated with active MARCoNS, ongoing mold exposure, VIPoma/pancreatic tumors, and pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard VIP dose?

50 mcg subcutaneously AM and PM daily, cycled 8 weeks on / 8 weeks off. Draw 5 units from a 5 mg vial reconstituted with 5 mL BAC water.

What is VIP used for?

Primarily CIRS from mold/biotoxin illness (final step in Shoemaker protocol). Also researched for pulmonary hypertension, neuroprotection, and circadian rhythm disorders.

How long does a VIP protocol last?

Standard subcutaneous protocol: 8 weeks on / 8 weeks off. Shoemaker CIRS intranasal: 30 days initially, with 12-18+ week extensions for grey matter restoration.

Does VIP require a prescription?

Compounded intranasal VIP spray requires a prescription. Research-grade VIP for subcutaneous use is available through peptide vendors.

Can I use VIP with active mold exposure?

No. All Shoemaker protocol prerequisites must be completed first — mold remediation, MARCoNS eradication, and inflammatory marker correction. Using VIP prematurely can worsen outcomes.

Related Guides

• VIP Benefits: 6 Effects Ranked — CIRS, immune modulation, neuroprotection, and more — ranked by evidence
• BPC-157 Dosing Guide — Tissue repair and gut healing protocols
• Thymosin Alpha-1 Dosing Guide — Immune enhancement protocols
• KPV Dosing Guide — Anti-inflammatory tripeptide protocols
• TB-500 Dosing Guide — Systemic tissue repair protocols
• Calculate Your VIP Cycle Cost — Estimate vials needed and total cost

References

For educational and research purposes only. This is not medical advice. VIP is a prescription compound for CIRS protocols and should only be used under medical supervision.