Education only, not medical advice◆21+◆Every dose is an example to finalize with a licensed provider
ImmuneEndogenous neuropeptideNot FDA-approved · research compound
VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide · Aviptadil
Evidence: Studied in humans. Example dose: finalize with a provider. Not a fact-check stamp.
50 mcg, titrating to 100 mcgSubQOnce daily
50 mcgNasalDaily
VPAC1/VPAC2 receptor agonistVasodilator and bronchodilatorImmunomodulatory peptideMember of the secretin/glucagon peptide superfamily
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide that functions as a potent vasodilator, bronchodilator, and immunomodulator. It is endogenously produced in the gut, pancreas, brain, and immune cells, acting through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors to regulate vascular tone, smooth muscle relaxation, immune cell differentiation, and circadian rhythm maintenance. VIP has been studied in the context of pulmonary arterial hypertension, chronic inflammatory respiratory illness, mast cell activation, neuroinflammation, and GI motility disorders. In peptide protocols, VIP is valued for its anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and neuroprotective properties and is commonly administered as part of the evening GH axis syringe with Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin.
Quick Start
Route
SubQ injection. Also available as nasal spray and inhaled formulations.
Start low
50 mcg SubQ
Frequency
Once daily
Timing
No strict fasting requirement for VIP itself. If pinned with Tesamorelin/Ipamorelin, fasted for those compounds.
Starting dose. 50 mcg — Titrating to 100 mcg
Intranasal: Multiple times daily per CIRS protocol. SubQ: Evening dosing. Very short half-life (~1-2 min IV), nasal route provides more sustained absorption. Use within 2-3 weeks of reconstitution.
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Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
Tiered Protocols · lowest first
Conservative start
50 mcg, titrating to 100 mcg · SubQ injection. Also available as nasal spray and inhaled formulations. · Once daily
conservative starter
50 mcg, titrating to 100 mcg
Once daily
Expert
CIRS / Mold Toxicity Protocol
50 mcg · Nasal · Daily
human study · Shoemaker, House & Ryan 2013, Health 3:396-401
Administered as 1 spray (50mcg) in one nostril, 4 times daily. Must be clear of mold exposure and have passed earlier protocol steps (CSM/MARCoNS) for it to be effective without adverse reactions.
50 mcg
Daily
Reconstitution CalculatorU-100
050100u
Draw to
— units
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01
How it works
VIP binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, activating adenylate cyclase and increasing intracellular cAMP. This triggers smooth muscle relaxation (vasodilation, bronchodilation), inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine release from macrophages and T-cells, mast cell stabilization, and modulation of Th1/Th2 immune balance toward anti-inflammatory Th2 response. VIP also acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the central and enteric nervous systems, regulating circadian clock function in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, GI motility, and pancreatic secretion. In immune cells, VIP shifts macrophage polarization from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. The methionine at position 17 is critical for receptor binding but is oxidation-sensitive, which creates specific handling and mixing requirements.
02
What to expect
Early
Days 1–7
Days 1-7: Vasodilatory effects (warmth, mild flushing) may be noticed immediately, particularly at higher doses. Respiratory improvements may begin. GI motility effects within first week.
Mid
Weeks 2–4
Weeks 2-4: Anti-inflammatory effects become more consistent. Respiratory function improvements stabilize. Sleep quality may improve due to circadian rhythm support.
Later
Weeks 4–12
Weeks 4-12: Cumulative immunomodulatory effects. Chronic inflammatory markers may improve. Best assessed through symptom tracking and inflammatory marker labwork (CRP, ESR, cytokine panels).
03
Evidence
HumanStrong
AnimalStrong
In-vitroStrong
Each reference below was re-fetched from its PubMed record, and the quoted sentence was
confirmed to appear in that abstract and to support the claim it sits under. Follow any of
them to read the source.
Exact-molecule evidence boundary: the live abstract reports the quoted finding for VIP; no broader inference is made.
Previous studies suggest an important immunoregulatory role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in experimental models of chronic noninfectious inflammation.
Evidence scope. Exact molecule wording appears in the quoted live sentence. Only the population/model, formulation, route, and outcome expressly stated there are supported.
Claims we could not support
No abstract we checked supports these for this molecule at this route. That is not the
same as saying they are false — it marks where the evidence is missing.
Dose/route: 50 mcg, titrating to 100 mcg; SubQ injection. Also available as nasal spray and inhaled formulations.; Once daily. No selected live abstract sentence verified this complete regimen.
Mechanism as written in source JSON. No selected live abstract sentence verified the complete mechanism at the card formulation/route and relevant population/model.
Primary safety claim as written in source JSON. No selected live abstract sentence verified the complete safety claim for this exact formulation and route.
04
The honest take
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CIRS treatment
Dr. Shoemaker's protocol uses VIP nasal spray as a final step in CIRS treatment. Published case series show improvements in inflammatory markers. Not FDA-approved for CIRS. The most established clinical application for VIP.
Pulmonary hypertension
Supported
Human clinical trial data with inhaled VIP showing improved pulmonary hemodynamics. Mechanism (pulmonary vasodilation) is well-supported. Limited sample sizes.
Mast cell stabilization
Preclinical data supports VIP-mediated mast cell stabilization and reduced histamine release. Relevant for mast cell activation conditions. Not a validated mast cell treatment.
05
Interactions & stacking
Two different questions: what is documented about running these together, and what is documented about drawing them into the same syringe. A good pharmacological partner can still have to be pinned separately.
Documented together
TesamorelinVIP adds anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory support to GH axis syringe. No chemical conflict.
IpamorelinNo chemical conflict. Standard P1 syringe partner.
BPC-157Complementary anti-inflammatory pathways
TB-500Complementary repair pathways
Keep separate
GHK-CuCRITICAL: Copper ions from GHK-Cu catalyze oxidation of VIP's methionine-17 residue, which is essential for receptor binding. This destroys VIP's biological activity. NEVER mix in syringe or inject at the same site.
CJC-1295 with DACDAC maleimide reactivity. Pin CJC-DAC separately. VIP + Ipa can share syringe during CJC-DAC phase.
Check any specific pair in the Stack & Interaction Checker, which answers both questions separately. Absence of a documented conflict is not evidence of safety.
06
Side effects & safety
Commonly reported
Nasal congestion (vasodilation of nasal mucosa)
Mild flushing or warmth
Transient blood pressure decrease (vasodilation)
Loose stools or increased GI motility
Less common & notes
VIP is a potent vasodilator and can cause hypotension, particularly in volume-depleted individuals or those on blood pressure medications.
Diarrhea at higher doses due to GI smooth muscle effects.
Rarely, headache from vasodilation.
Start at low dose and titrate up.
Contraindicated in individuals with significant hypotension.
Monitor blood pressure during titration.
07
Pharmacokinetics
Illustrative plasma concentration · 2.2 h
Half-life
0.5h
Peak · Tmax
0.17h
Elimination
2.5h
Bioavailability
~100%
SubQ
Duration of action
6-12 hours
Immunomodulatory and bronchodilatory effects persist beyond plasma clearance
Storage. CRITICAL: Methionine-17 is oxidation-sensitive. Protect from light at all times. Reconstitute with BAC water (pH 5-7 acceptable). Refrigerate at 2-8C. Stable for 14-21 days after reconstitution in SubQ solution. Reconstitute fresh every 2-3 weeks regardless of remaining volume. Do not expose to direct light during storage or injection preparation. Unreconstituted lyophilized powder is more stable (store frozen -20C).
08
Regulatory status
VIP is available through compounding pharmacies by prescription. Not FDA-approved for any injectable indication. Available as a research peptide. Not specifically listed on WADA prohibited list. Used clinically in some countries for specific indications.
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open VIP straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.