Educational guide
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) Dosing, Need to Know Information, Safety, Stacks, Dosing Calculator and more!
How much do I take? Is this right for me? How do I use it? Is it safe? How do I know it's working? Compound Profile Scientific & Efficacy Data C147H237N43O43S Molecular Formula 3325.83 Da Molecular Weight Approximately 1-2 minutes in plasma (rapid enzymatic de
This guide cannot diagnose a condition or recommend a personal treatment plan. Discuss medical questions with a qualified professional.
How much do I take?
Is this right for me?
How do I use it?
Is it safe?
How do I know it's working?
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C147H237N43O43S
Molecular Formula
3325.83 Da
Molecular Weight
Approximately 1-2 minutes in plasma (rapid enzymatic degradation)
Half-Life
IV: 100%; Inhaled: local pulmonary delivery; short systemic half-life
Bioavailability
37221-79-7
CAS #
53314964
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 1970
Sami Said and Viktor Mutt
Uppsala University, Sweden
Primary Benefits
Potent pulmonary vasodilator via VPAC1/VPAC2 receptor activation with Phase 2 evidence of hemodynamic improvement in pulmonary hypertension
Suppresses TNF-α and IL-6 through VPAC receptor-mediated signaling with Phase 2b/3 evidence of IL-6 reduction in COVID-19 ARDS
VPAC2-dependent neuroprotective effects documented in Parkinson and Alzheimer disease models with microglial modulation
Amino Acid Sequence
Dosing
How muchdo I take?
Subcutaneous injection: A small injection into the fatty layer just under the skin — the same way insulin is given.
Bioavailability High — most of the dose reaches your bloodstream, just more gradually than an IV.
Starting Dose
50 mcg
Frequency
Twice daily (morning and evening)
Duration
Ongoing per protocol
Common research/community practice dose for systemic/peripheral effects (approx., not from a controlled trial).
Timing
Best time to take
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is administered intravenously in a clinical setting. Timing is determined by your healthcare provider based on the treatment protocol and your medical needs.
With food?
IV administration of VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is not dependent on meal timing. Your healthcare team will provide specific instructions regarding food and fluid intake around treatment sessions.
If stacking
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
+You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
+Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
+Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
+Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
-Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
-You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
-Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
-Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
Find the weight printed on your peptide vial label
Look here!
The peptide weight is printed on the label
The weight is on the label
Select Weight
Look for a number followed by 'mg' on the vial label (e.g., 5mg, 10mg)
Suitability
Is thisright for me?
Best For
Pulmonary arterial hypertension research
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on pulmonary arterial hypertension research. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
ARDS and respiratory failure investigation
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on ards and respiratory failure investigation. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Anti-inflammatory therapy development
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on anti-inflammatory therapy development. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Neuroprotection studies
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on neuroprotection studies. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Consider Alternatives If
Goal: Alternative approaches for healing & recovery support
Consider: Consult your healthcare provider for alternatives to VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) based on your specific needs and medical history
Goal: Alternative healing peptides
Consider: BPC-157, TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4), GHK-Cu
Goal: Non-peptide recovery options
Consider: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Collagen supplements, Physical therapy
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
×Uncontrolled hypotension or hemodynamic instability
×Severe cardiac decompensation
×Not approved for clinical use outside of trials
×Insufficient data for pregnancy and lactation safety
Use with caution if
!You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
!You have a history of liver or kidney disease
!You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
!You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) use
!You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Not Sure?
Compare VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) with similar peptides to find the best fit for your goals.
Administration
How do Iuse it?
Reconstitution
What you need
•VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) vial (lyophilized powder or solution)
•Bacteriostatic water or sterile sodium chloride for reconstitution
•Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
•Appropriately sized syringes with fine-gauge needles (27-30 gauge)
•Sharps disposal container
Example
Add the recommended volume of bacteriostatic water to the VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) vial. Gently swirl (do not shake) until the powder is fully dissolved. The resulting solution should be clear. Calculate your individual dose based on the concentration and your prescribed amount.
Your dose of VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is determined by your healthcare provider. Using an insulin syringe marked in units, draw up the exact amount prescribed. For example, if the reconstituted concentration is 1mg/mL and your dose is 0.5mg, draw up 0.5mL (50 units on an insulin syringe). Always double-check calculations before injection.
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin)—allows for consistent absorption and can be self-administered at home after proper training
Best sites
•Abdomen (stomach area)—at least 2 inches from the belly button, most popular choice for self-injection
•Front of thighs—middle to upper portion of the outer leg
•Back of upper arm—outer area (may need assistance from another person)
Technique
1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
3.Pinch a fold of skin at the chosen injection site
4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (depending on needle length and body composition)
5.Inject the medication slowly and steadily over 5-10 seconds
6.Release the skin fold and remove the needle, applying gentle pressure with a clean swab
7.Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation or lipodystrophy
8.Dispose of the needle safely in a sharps container—never recap or reuse needles
Storage
Before reconstitution
Store VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) in the refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C) in its original packaging. Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Check the expiration date before use. Some formulations may be stored at room temperature for limited periods—check your specific product labeling.
After reconstitution
Once reconstituted, VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) should be kept refrigerated at 36-46°F (2-8°C) and used within the timeframe specified on your product labeling (typically 14-28 days). Label the vial with the reconstitution date. Do not use if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
Signs of degradation
Solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles (should be clear)
Product has been exposed to temperatures outside the recommended storage range
Product has been frozen (unless specifically designed for freeze-thaw stability)
Expiration date has passed or reconstituted solution has exceeded its use-by date
Unusual odor, color change, or visible contamination
Sample Daily Schedule
As prescribed (once daily)
As prescribed by your healthcare provider injection
Site: Intravenous infusion—rotate sites if applicable
Maintain a consistent schedule for optimal results with VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide). Set reminders if needed. If you miss a dose, follow your healthcare provider's instructions—do not double up on doses to compensate.
Safety
Is itsafe?
Safety Profile
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino acid endogenous neuropeptide with moderate evidence from Phase 1-2 human clinical trials. The synthetic pharmaceutical form (aviptadil/RLF-100) received FDA fast-track designation for COVID-19-associated ARDS, indicating recognition of its therapeutic potential. Critical safety considerations: VIP is a potent vasodilator that causes dose-dependent hypotension and compensatory tachycardia—hemodynamic monitoring is essential during IV administration. Common side effects include facial flushing and diarrhea from its GI effects. Phase 2b/3 COVID-19 ARDS trials (196 patients) reported NO serious drug-related adverse events, a favorable safety signal. However, individual responses to vasodilation vary significantly based on baseline cardiovascular status, medications, and underlying conditions. The peptide's short plasma half-life (1-2 minutes) limits systemic accumulation. Inhaled VIP shows excellent local tolerability for pulmonary applications with minimal systemic absorption.
VIP's therapeutic evidence comes from Phase 1-2 human clinical trials in pulmonary conditions and a Phase 2b/3 COVID-19 ARDS trial (NCT04703816) that showed improved 60-day survival rates. As an endogenous 28-amino-acid neuropeptide, its pharmacology is well-characterized from decades of basic science research. Clinical applications require IV infusion with continuous hemodynamic monitoring.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Facial Flushing
Common cutaneous vasodilation causing temporary redness of face and trunk during systemic administration
Management: Transient and self-resolving; no treatment typically required
Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal smooth muscle effects and secretory stimulation may cause watery diarrhea, especially with systemic administration
Management: Usually transient; anti-diarrheal agents if needed; dose adjustment may help
Nausea
Gastrointestinal effects including nausea and occasional vomiting during or shortly after systemic administration
Management: Antiemetic medications as needed; typically improves with continued therapy
Less Common
•Hypotension
•Tachycardia
•Cardiovascular Effects
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
✓Complementary vasodilatory pathways may enhance pulmonary hemodynamic improvement in pulmonary hypertension
✓Combining with other anti-inflammatory agents like KPV may provide synergistic cytokine suppression
✓VPAC receptor-mediated neuroprotection complements other neuroprotective strategies in neurodegeneration research
With medications
!Antihypertensive Medications - Additive hypotensive effects may cause dangerous blood pressure drops requiring careful hemodynamic monitoring
!PDE5 Inhibitors - Combined vasodilation through different mechanisms may cause severe hypotension
!Vasoconstrictors - Pharmacological antagonism with VIP vasodilatory effects may reduce therapeutic efficacy of both agents
With supplements
✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide). Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does itwork?
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials
What to Expect
Acute Hemodynamic Response (Minutes to Hours)
What you might notice
•Rapid onset vasodilation, blood pressure reduction, and smooth muscle relaxation;
•immediate hemodynamic effects with IV administration
What's normal
•Initial response to VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is beginning at the cellular level
•Different individuals experience VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)'s onset at different rates
•Transient systemic effects from initial VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) exposure are common
What's next
→Maintain consistent VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) administration as prescribed
→Document subjective effects and physical markers daily
→Schedule a check-in with your provider about initial observations
Anti-Inflammatory Phase (Days to 1 Week)
•Significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 reduction by Day 3 in clinical trials);
•improved oxygenation in respiratory conditions
•VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is achieving sufficient receptor engagement
•Initial mechanism of VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is taking effect
•Early transient effects from VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) administration are resolving
Clinical Benefit (1-8 Weeks)
•Sustained immunomodulatory effects;
•improved survival outcomes in ARDS at 60-day follow-up;
•maintained hemodynamic improvement in pulmonary hypertension
•Full therapeutic effects of VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) are well-characterized at this point
•Maintenance of VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)'s therapeutic effects is typical
•Tolerance patterns with VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) are generally stable over months
→Comprehensive assessment of VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) efficacy should be conducted
→Discuss long-term continuation, cycling, or protocol modifications
→Continue regular monitoring of relevant biomarkers or symptoms
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
✓Consistent, stable response to VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) over time
✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
•Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
•Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
•Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
•Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
•Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
•Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
[1]"IV Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (Aviptadil) in COVID-19 Respiratory Failure: 60-Day RCT Results"
Youssef JG, et al., 2022
Finding: Aviptadil (synthetic VIP) showed two-fold odds of improved survival in COVID-19 respiratory failure patients at day 60 versus placebo. Respiratory distress improved and interleukin-6 cytokine release was reduced by day 3.
[2]"Vasoactive intestinal peptide as a new drug for treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension"
Petkov V, et al., 2003
Finding: Vasoactive intestinal peptide treatment decreased pulmonary artery pressure, increased cardiac output by 40%, and improved mixed venous oxygen saturation. VIP deficiency was documented in patient plasma and lung tissue.
[3]"Therapeutic potential of VIP and its receptor VPAC2 in type 2 diabetes"
Hou X, et al., 2022
Finding: VIP stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion by binding VPAC2 receptors on pancreatic beta cells and promotes beta-cell proliferation. VPAC2-selective agonists show potential as novel hypoglycemic drugs.
[4]"Therapeutic potential of VIP and its receptors in neurological disorders"
White CM, et al., 2010
Finding: No abstract available for comprehensive analysis.
[5]"Vasoactive intestinal peptide: a potential target for antiviral therapy"
He Y, et al., 2022
Finding: VIP demonstrates potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties against SARS-CoV-2, HIV, RSV, and other viruses. Its peptide-based nature offers high efficacy with low toxic side effects.
[6]"Intravenous Aviptadil for Critical COVID-19 With Respiratory Failure (NCT04311697)"
NeuroRx Inc. / Relief Therapeutics; ClinicalTrials.gov, 2020
[7]"Vasoactive intestinal peptide as a new drug for treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension"
Petkov V, Mosgoeller W, Ziesche R, et al., 2003
The Science
Stacking & Combinations
Frequently Asked Questions