Dihexa vs Ipamorelin

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

DihexaIpamorelin
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 10-20 mg daily via oral or sublingual administration.Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
TimingMorning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food (orally active).Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach.
Cycle Duration2-4 week cycles with equal rest periods. Long-term safety data is extremely limited.12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.
Evidence Levelanimal_plus_anecdotalmoderate_human
A

Dihexa

Peptides

Mechanism

Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6)-aminohexanoic amide) is an orally active, blood-brain barrier-permeable oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV. It binds hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with high affinity, inhibiting HGF dimerization and synergistically promoting c-Met receptor phosphorylation and signaling. Activation of HGF/c-Met drives procognitive effects through increased dendritic arborization, spinogenesis, and synaptogenesis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Research indicates it is approximately 10 million times more potent than BDNF for new synapse formation.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 10-20 mg daily via oral or sublingual administration.

Timing

Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food (orally active).

Cycle Duration

2-4 week cycles with equal rest periods. Long-term safety data is extremely limited.

Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Jaw tension
  • Increased emotional sensitivity (anecdotal)
  • Potential for excessive synaptogenesis (theoretical long-term concern)

Contraindications

  • Active cancer (HGF/c-Met pathway promotes tumor growth)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • History of cancer

Best Stacking Partners

SemaxP21NSI-189
B

Ipamorelin

Peptides

Mechanism

Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor) agonist. Unlike other GHRPs, it selectively stimulates GH release without significantly affecting ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone — even at doses 200-fold above the ED50 for GH release. This selectivity profile is comparable to GHRH itself but operates through the distinct ghrelin receptor on pituitary somatotrophs.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.

Timing

Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach.

Cycle Duration

12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.

Side Effects

  • Head rush post-injection
  • Mild hunger increase (less than GHRP-6)
  • Water retention (mild)
  • Tingling in extremities
  • Injection site irritation

Contraindications

  • Active cancer
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Best Stacking Partners

CJC-1295 (no DAC)BPC-157TB-500

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