Peptide Dosage Calculator & Reconstitution Guide

Reconstituting and dosing peptides correctly is the most important practical skill for anyone using injectable peptides. Get it wrong and you're either underdosing (wasting money) or overdosing (unnecessary risk). This guide walks you through everything step by step, with the math made simple.

What You'll Need: The Complete Supply List

Why Bacteriostatic Water (Not Sterile Water)?

This is a critical distinction that beginners often miss:

• Bacteriostatic water (BAC water): Contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. This prevents bacterial growth in the vial over multiple uses. The reconstituted peptide can be stored for up to 28 days refrigerated.
• Sterile water: Contains no preservative. Once you puncture the rubber stopper, bacteria can enter. Sterile water reconstituted peptides should be used within 24–48 hours — impractical for most protocols.
• Sodium chloride 0.9% (normal saline): Sometimes used but not recommended for peptides. The salt can affect peptide stability.

Rule: Always use BAC water for peptides you'll use over multiple days.

Step-by-Step Reconstitution Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
• Clean a flat surface (table, desk) with isopropyl alcohol
• Gather all supplies before starting
• Ensure the peptide vial is at room temperature (remove from freezer/fridge 15–30 minutes prior)

Step 2: Clean the Vial Tops

• Remove the plastic flip-cap from both the peptide vial and BAC water vial
• Wipe both rubber stoppers with an alcohol swab
• Let them air dry for 10–15 seconds

Step 3: Draw the Bacteriostatic Water

• Using a clean syringe (3 mL syringe is ideal for this step), draw your desired amount of BAC water
• How much to add? See the dosage calculator section below. The most common reconstitution is 2 mL of BAC water into a 5 mg peptide vial.
• Insert the needle into the BAC water vial, invert, and pull the plunger to the desired mark
• Remove the syringe, tap out any air bubbles

Step 4: Add Water to the Peptide Vial

⚠️ This is the most important step — do it gently.

• Insert the needle into the peptide vial at an angle, aiming at the glass wall (not directly onto the powder)
• Push the plunger very slowly — let the water trickle down the side of the vial
• NEVER spray water directly onto the lyophilised powder — this can damage the peptide structure
• The water should gently pool at the bottom and gradually dissolve the powder

Step 5: Mix Gently

• NEVER shake the vial — shaking creates foam and denatures (destroys) the peptide
• Gently roll the vial between your palms for 30–60 seconds
• Alternatively, swirl the vial in gentle circles
• The solution should become clear and colourless. If it remains cloudy or has particles, something may be wrong — don't use it.
• Some peptides dissolve quickly (seconds); others may take 5–10 minutes. Be patient.

Step 6: Store Properly

• Place the reconstituted vial in the refrigerator (2–8°C) immediately
• Write the reconstitution date on the vial with a marker
• Use within 28 days
• In Malaysia's climate: Never leave reconstituted peptides at room temperature. Even a few hours in Malaysian heat (30°C+) can significantly degrade the peptide.

The Dosage Calculator: Simple Math

Here's the formula you need to memorise:

Example 1: BPC-157 (Most Common Setup)

Example 2: TB-500

Example 3: CJC-1295/Ipamorelin

Quick Reference Table: Common Reconstitutions

Pro tip: Adding more water makes it easier to measure small doses accurately (larger volumes = more units on the syringe = less error). The trade-off is you inject more liquid per dose, which some people find slightly more uncomfortable.

Understanding Insulin Syringes

Insulin syringes are the standard for peptide injection. Understanding their markings is essential:

• 1 mL insulin syringe = 100 units
• Each small line = 1 unit = 0.01 mL
• Each major line = 10 units = 0.1 mL
• Needle gauges: 29G (thicker, easier to draw), 30G, 31G (thinnest, least pain)
• Needle length: ½ inch (12.7 mm) is standard for subcutaneous injection

Which Gauge to Choose?

• 29 gauge: Good all-rounder. Slightly easier to draw viscous solutions. Recommended for beginners.
• 30 gauge: Balance of comfort and practicality. Most popular for peptides.
• 31 gauge: Thinnest and least painful, but slower to draw liquid. Best for experienced users who want minimal injection discomfort.

Available in Malaysia: BD (Becton Dickinson) insulin syringes are widely available at Guardian, Watsons, and independent pharmacies. You don't need a prescription to buy insulin syringes in Malaysia. A box of 100 costs approximately RM 15–30. Also available on Shopee.

Injection Technique: Subcutaneous (SubQ)

Subcutaneous injection means injecting into the fatty layer just beneath the skin — not into muscle. This is the standard route for most peptides.

Step-by-Step Injection

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
2. Wipe the peptide vial stopper with an alcohol swab
3. Draw your dose:
   • Pull the plunger back to your dose amount (e.g., 10 units) to fill the syringe with air
   • Insert needle into the vial stopper
   • Push the air into the vial (this equalises pressure and makes drawing easier)
   • Invert the vial and pull the plunger to draw your dose
   • Tap out any air bubbles and push the plunger slightly to expel them
4. Choose injection site:
   • For BPC-157: SubQ as close to the injury as practical
   • For TB-500: Anywhere with subcutaneous fat (abdomen, thigh, upper arm)
   • For GH peptides: Lower abdomen (2 inches from navel) is most common
5. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. Let it dry completely (10–15 seconds).
6. Pinch the skin to lift the fatty layer away from muscle
7. Insert the needle at a 45–90° angle (45° for lean individuals, 90° for those with more subcutaneous fat)
8. Inject slowly over 5–10 seconds
9. Withdraw the needle and apply gentle pressure with a clean cotton ball or swab if there's any bleeding
10. Dispose of the needle in a sharps container. Never recap and reuse needles.

Rotation Sites

Even if you're targeting a specific injury with BPC-157, rotate your exact injection point slightly each time. Injecting the same spot repeatedly can cause lipodystrophy (changes in fat tissue). Move at least 1 cm from your previous site.

Storage Guide: Critical for Malaysia

Peptide storage is arguably more important in Malaysia than anywhere else due to our tropical climate. Heat is the #1 enemy of peptide stability.

Unreconstituted (Powder) Peptides

Reconstituted (Mixed) Peptides

Common Reconstitution Mistakes

• ❌ Spraying water directly onto powder: The force can damage peptide bonds. Always aim at the vial wall.
• ❌ Shaking the vial: Creates foam and denatures the peptide. Gentle rolling only.
• ❌ Using sterile water for multi-day use: Without preservative, bacteria multiply. Use BAC water.
• ❌ Not cleaning vial tops: Introduces bacteria. Always swab with alcohol.
• ❌ Leaving reconstituted peptides on the counter: Especially dangerous in Malaysian heat. Refrigerate immediately.
• ❌ Reusing syringes: Dulls the needle (more painful, more tissue damage) and introduces contamination.
• ❌ Drawing with the same syringe you inject with: Repeatedly puncturing the rubber stopper dulls the needle. Use a drawing needle, then switch to a fresh syringe for injection — or accept a slightly dulled needle for convenience (most people do this for insulin syringes).

Travel Tips for Malaysian Peptide Users

Travelling with peptides within Malaysia or to neighbouring countries requires some planning:

• Domestic flights (MAS, AirAsia): Insulin syringes and medication vials are generally permitted in carry-on. Carry them in a clear bag with any documentation you have (receipt, CoA).
• Cold chain: Use a small insulated bag with ice packs. Reconstituted peptides should not be without refrigeration for more than 2–3 hours.
• Hotel storage: Use the minibar fridge. Set it to the coldest setting. Place the vial in a ziplock bag to prevent accidental spills.
• International travel: Regulations vary by country. Thailand is generally relaxed; Singapore is stricter. Research destination country rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same syringe to mix two peptides?

If you're stacking BPC-157 and TB-500 and injecting at the same site, you can draw both into one syringe. Draw the smaller volume first, then the larger. This reduces the number of injections.

My reconstituted peptide is cloudy — is it still good?

No. Properly reconstituted peptides should be clear and colourless. Cloudiness indicates precipitation, aggregation, or contamination. Do not use it.

What if I accidentally add too much water?

No problem — you haven't damaged the peptide. You've simply created a more dilute solution. Recalculate your concentration and adjust the volume you inject. For example, if you added 4 mL to a 5 mg vial instead of 2 mL, your concentration is 1,250 mcg/mL — so for 250 mcg, inject 20 units instead of 10.

Where can I buy BAC water in Malaysia?

Bacteriostatic water is available on Shopee and Lazada from various sellers. Look for pharmaceutical-grade BAC water in sealed, sterile vials. Most peptide suppliers also sell BAC water. A 30 mL vial typically costs RM 20–50.

How do I dispose of used syringes safely?

Use a commercial sharps container, or a thick-walled plastic bottle (like a detergent container) as a DIY sharps container. When full, seal it and take it to any hospital or clinic — most accept sharps for disposal. Never throw loose needles in regular rubbish bins.

The Bottom Line

Reconstitution and dosing might seem intimidating the first time, but after a few sessions, it becomes routine — like making coffee. The key principles: use BAC water, add it gently, never shake, refrigerate immediately, and calculate your dose with the simple formula. Get these right and you'll have consistent, accurate dosing throughout your peptide protocol.

For protocol-specific dosing information, see our individual peptide guides: BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295/Ipamorelin, and GHK-Cu.