AICAR dosage and protocol
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator. It has been studied for its effects on cellular energy and metabolism.
- Vial size: 50 mg
- Reconstitution: 3 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 16.67 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Metabolic Research
- Endurance Research
- Cellular Energy
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to the 50 mg vial → 16.67 mg/mL
- Typical dose: 1–3 mg once daily (SC), titrated over 8 weeks
- Easy measuring: At 16.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 167 mcg; 1 mg ≈ 6 units, 2 mg = 12 units, 3 mg = 18 units on a U-100 syringe
- Storage: Keep powder refrigerated; use mixed solution within 14 days
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 1000 mcg (1 mg) | Once daily (SC) | 0.06 mL (6 units) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 2000 mcg (2 mg) | Once daily (SC) | 0.12 mL (12 units) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 3000 mcg (3 mg) | Once daily (SC) | 0.18 mL (18 units) |
How it works
AICAR is a nucleoside analog rather than a peptide. The administered form, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (also called acadesine), enters cells through adenosine transporters and is phosphorylated by adenosine kinase into ZMP, an AMP mimic. ZMP binds the gamma subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the cell's central energy sensor, and activates it without changing the cell's actual energy charge. AMPK activation switches metabolism toward energy production: it increases glucose uptake via GLUT4 translocation in muscle, promotes fatty acid oxidation by inhibiting acetyl-CoA carboxylase, suppresses hepatic glucose output and lipid synthesis, and supports mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1alpha. In sedentary mice, several weeks of AICAR improved running endurance and shifted muscle gene expression toward an oxidative profile, which led to its reputation as an 'exercise mimetic'. Rodent studies also showed improved insulin sensitivity. In humans, acadesine was studied intravenously as a cardioprotective agent during coronary bypass surgery and in certain leukemias, but it was not approved. Human data on metabolic or performance effects are limited, effective doses in animal research were far higher on a per-weight basis than the protocol here, and AICAR is prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake)
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8°C, protected from light
Storage
Store powder refrigerated. Use reconstituted solution within 14 days.
Important notes
- Research only.
- Higher volume injections required.
- Short research cycles.
Supplies
- AICAR vial (50mg)
- Bacteriostatic water
- Larger syringes
- Alcohol swabs