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The Peptide Effect
Dosage Guide

Selank Dosage Guide: Nasal & Injection Protocol

Educational reference for Selank dosage protocols via intranasal, subcutaneous, and sublingual routes. Covers the synthetic tuftsin analog discussed in Russian clinical research for anxiolytic and nootropic properties.

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Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Dosages described reflect ranges discussed in published research and clinical practice literature — they are not recommendations. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any peptide. Legality and availability vary by jurisdiction.

Overview

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic analog of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It was designed by adding a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence to the C-terminus of tuftsin to improve metabolic stability. Selank is approved in Russia as an anxiolytic nasal spray (0.15% solution, marketed under the brand name Selank) and has been studied for its effects on anxiety, cognitive function, and immune modulation. Research by Zozulya et al. (2008) described its anxiolytic effects as comparable to benzodiazepines without the sedation, dependence potential, or cognitive impairment associated with that drug class. Selank is also reported in research literature to modulate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and influence serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic systems.

Dosing Protocols

Intranasal Spray Protocol

Route: Intranasal
Dose: 200–400 mcg per administration (100–200 mcg per nostril)
Frequency: 2–3 times daily
Duration: 2–4 weeks, with optional repeated cycles

The most commonly discussed route, matching the approved Russian pharmaceutical formulation (0.15% nasal spray). Each spray delivers approximately 75–100 mcg. Administered into each nostril. The Russian clinical protocol describes 14-day courses that may be repeated after a 1–2 week break. No reconstitution required for pre-made nasal spray formulations.

Subcutaneous Injection Protocol

Route: Subcutaneous injection
Dose: 200–500 mcg
Frequency: 1–2 times daily
Duration: 2–4 weeks

An alternative route discussed in research literature for potentially higher bioavailability compared to intranasal administration. Injectable Selank requires reconstitution from lyophilized powder. Less commonly used than the nasal route. Administered in the abdominal area or upper arm. For educational reference only — not a medical recommendation.

Sublingual Protocol

Route: Sublingual
Dose: 250–500 mcg
Frequency: 2 times daily
Duration: 2–4 weeks

Sublingual administration is discussed as an alternative to injection that avoids first-pass metabolism. The solution is held under the tongue for 60–90 seconds before swallowing. Bioavailability is expected to be intermediate between intranasal and subcutaneous routes. Less clinical data exists for this route compared to intranasal delivery.

Reconstitution & Storage

Vial sizes5 mg lyophilized powder (for injectable preparation)
Recommended water volume2 mL bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
StorageRefrigerate at 2–8°C after reconstitution. Do not freeze.
Stability once reconstitutedUse within 30 days of reconstitution. Pre-made nasal spray formulations may have different stability profiles — follow manufacturer guidelines.

Use our reconstitution calculator to determine exact syringe units for your dose.

Cycle Guidance

The Russian clinical protocol describes Selank use in courses of 14 days, which may be repeated after a 1–2 week break. Some research protocols discuss extended use of up to 4 weeks per cycle. Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank is not reported to produce physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms in the available research literature. However, cycling is generally recommended to maintain receptor sensitivity and assess ongoing need. Some research discusses using Selank situationally (as needed for acute stress or cognitive demand) rather than in fixed cycles.

Stacking Considerations

  • Selank and Semax are frequently discussed together in nootropic research contexts. Both are Russian-developed peptides with complementary mechanisms — Selank primarily anxiolytic, Semax primarily stimulatory and neuroprotective.
  • Some protocols discuss combining Selank with DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) for anxiety management alongside sleep optimization.
  • Selank is discussed as a non-sedating alternative to benzodiazepines that may complement adaptogenic compounds such as ashwagandha or rhodiola rosea.
  • In immune-support contexts, Selank's tuftsin-derived immunomodulatory properties are discussed alongside Thymosin Alpha-1.

Potential Side Effects

  • Nasal irritation or mild burning sensation — reported with intranasal administration, typically transient
  • Fatigue or mild sedation — occasionally reported, particularly at higher doses
  • Headache — infrequently reported
  • Mild allergic reactions — rare; discontinue if hypersensitivity occurs
  • Taste disturbance — a metallic or unusual taste may occur with intranasal or sublingual administration
  • Generally well-tolerated — the Russian clinical literature describes a favorable safety profile with minimal adverse effects

Contraindications & Cautions

  • Known hypersensitivity to Selank, tuftsin, or any component of the formulation
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding — insufficient safety data in these populations
  • Active nasal infections or severe rhinitis — may impair intranasal absorption and cause additional irritation
  • Individuals on immunosuppressive therapy — Selank's immunomodulatory effects may interfere with immunosuppression protocols
  • Children — limited safety data in pediatric populations

Related

Selank Profilecognitive enhancementneuroprotectionimmune systemsemax dosagedsip dosage

References

  1. Selank (specific anxiolytic): results of clinical study of its anxiolytic activity (2008) — PubMed
  2. Immunomodulating effects of Selank: in vitro studies on human peripheral blood cells (2008) — PubMed
  3. The effect of Selank on the BDNF gene expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of rats (2011) — PubMed
  4. Anxiolytic effect of Selank and its metabolites tuftsin and Pro-Gly-Pro (2008) — PubMed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Selank and how does it differ from benzodiazepines?
Selank is a synthetic peptide analog of tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunomodulatory fragment of immunoglobulin G. Unlike benzodiazepines, which act on GABA-A receptors and produce sedation, cognitive impairment, and physical dependence, Selank modulates anxiety through different mechanisms including serotonergic system modulation and BDNF expression. Research by Zozulya et al. (2008) described anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without the characteristic sedation or dependence liability.
Is Selank approved for medical use anywhere?
Yes — Selank is approved in Russia as an anxiolytic medication in the form of a 0.15% nasal spray. It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences and underwent clinical trials in Russia. It is not approved by the FDA in the United States or by the EMA in Europe. In Western countries, it is available as a research peptide and is not regulated as a pharmaceutical.
How quickly does Selank take effect?
Research literature describes onset of anxiolytic effects within minutes of intranasal administration due to direct access to the central nervous system via the nasal mucosa and olfactory pathway. Peak effects are generally reported within 15–30 minutes. The duration of effect per dose is discussed as approximately 3–6 hours, which is why multiple daily doses are described in research protocols. Some cognitive effects may accumulate over the course of a 14-day treatment cycle.
Does Selank affect the immune system?
Yes — as a derivative of tuftsin (a natural immunomodulatory peptide), Selank retains immune-modulating properties. Research by Uchakina et al. (2008) described effects on cytokine expression and immune cell function. Selank is reported to modulate the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines rather than simply suppressing or stimulating the immune system. This immunomodulatory profile distinguishes it from purely anxiolytic compounds.
Can Selank be combined with Semax?
Selank and Semax are frequently discussed together in nootropic research contexts. They have complementary mechanisms — Selank is primarily anxiolytic and calming, while Semax is primarily stimulatory and neuroprotective. Some protocols describe alternating them (Selank during periods of high anxiety, Semax during periods requiring cognitive focus) or using them concurrently at reduced doses. No formal clinical trial data exists on the combination.
Is Selank addictive or habit-forming?
The available research literature does not describe dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms associated with Selank use. This is a key distinction from benzodiazepines and is attributed to Selank's different mechanism of action — it does not directly agonize GABA-A receptors. The Russian clinical literature describes Selank as having a favorable safety profile with no evidence of addictive potential across the studied treatment durations.