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The Peptide Effect
Dosage Guide

Semax Dosage Guide: Nasal & Injection Protocol

Educational reference for Semax dosage protocols via intranasal and subcutaneous routes. Covers the synthetic ACTH analog and its variants (N-Acetyl Semax, Adamax) discussed in Russian clinical research for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement.

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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

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment 4-10, with an added Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide at the C-terminus to improve metabolic stability. It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences and is approved in Russia as a nasal spray (0.1% and 1% solutions) for the treatment of stroke, cognitive disorders, and optic nerve atrophy. Semax does not exhibit the corticotropic (cortisol-stimulating) activity of full-length ACTH — its effects are mediated through neurotrophic mechanisms including upregulation of BDNF, NGF, and TrkB receptor expression. Research by Ashmarin et al. (2005) and Dolotov et al. (2006) described its neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. Modified variants including N-Acetyl Semax (with an acetyl group for enhanced stability and potency) and Adamax (N-Acetyl Semax Amidate, with both acetyl and amide modifications) are discussed in research literature as having potentially stronger and longer-lasting effects.

Dosing Protocols

Intranasal Standard Protocol

Route: Intranasal
Dose: 200–600 mcg per administration (100–300 mcg per nostril)
Frequency: 2–3 times daily
Duration: 10–14 days per course, repeatable after 2-week break

The most commonly discussed route, matching the approved Russian pharmaceutical formulations. The 0.1% solution is used for cognitive enhancement and general neuroprotection, while the 1% solution (Semax 1%) is discussed for more acute neurological applications such as stroke recovery. Each drop delivers approximately 50 mcg (0.1%) or 500 mcg (1%). Administered into each nostril while tilting the head slightly back.

Subcutaneous Injection Protocol

Route: Subcutaneous injection
Dose: 100–500 mcg
Frequency: Once daily
Duration: 10–14 days per course

An alternative route discussed in research literature. May provide more consistent systemic bioavailability compared to intranasal delivery, which can vary with nasal congestion and mucosal condition. Requires reconstitution from lyophilized powder. Less commonly discussed than the nasal route. For educational reference only.

N-Acetyl Semax / Adamax Intranasal Protocol

Route: Intranasal
Dose: 100–300 mcg per administration
Frequency: 1–2 times daily
Duration: 10–14 days per course

Modified Semax variants with enhanced stability and reportedly greater potency per microgram. N-Acetyl Semax (NASA) features an acetyl group that improves blood-brain barrier penetration and resistance to enzymatic degradation. Adamax (N-Acetyl Semax Amidate) adds an amide modification for further enhanced stability. Lower doses are discussed compared to standard Semax due to the reported increased potency of these analogs. Limited formal clinical data exists specifically for these variants.

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. Protect from light. Do not freeze.
Stability once reconstitutedUse within 30 days of reconstitution. Pre-made nasal spray solutions should be stored as directed by the manufacturer and used within the specified timeframe.

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

Cycle Guidance

The Russian clinical protocol describes Semax use in courses of 10–14 days, which may be repeated after a 2-week break. For stroke recovery (the 1% formulation), courses of up to 5 days at higher doses are described in clinical literature. Some nootropic research protocols discuss extended courses of up to 30 days at lower doses for sustained cognitive support. Cycling is recommended to maintain receptor sensitivity and prevent potential downregulation of neurotrophic factor pathways. Unlike stimulant nootropics, Semax is not reported to produce tolerance in the traditional sense, but periodic breaks are generally advised.

Stacking Considerations

  • Semax and Selank are the most commonly discussed peptide combination in nootropic research. Semax provides stimulatory and neuroprotective effects while Selank provides anxiolytic and calming effects — together they are discussed as addressing cognitive performance and emotional regulation simultaneously.
  • Some protocols discuss combining Semax with racetam-class nootropics (piracetam, noopept) for synergistic cognitive effects, though clinical evidence for these combinations is lacking.
  • In neuroprotection contexts, Semax is sometimes discussed alongside Cerebrolysin and P21, though these target overlapping neurotrophic pathways.
  • N-Acetyl Semax may be discussed alongside compounds that support BDNF expression such as lion's mane mushroom or exercise protocols.
  • Semax is not reported to interact with common pharmaceuticals in the available literature, but concurrent use with any medication should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Potential Side Effects

  • Nasal irritation or mild burning — the most commonly reported side effect with intranasal administration; typically transient
  • Headache — occasionally reported, particularly at higher doses
  • Increased emotional sensitivity or mood fluctuation — reported in some anecdotal accounts, possibly related to neurotrophic factor modulation
  • Mild dizziness — infrequently reported
  • Hair loss — rare reports exist in anecdotal literature, though the mechanism is unclear and not confirmed in clinical studies
  • Generally well-tolerated — Russian clinical literature describes a favorable safety profile with minimal adverse effects across thousands of treated patients

Contraindications & Cautions

  • Known hypersensitivity to Semax, ACTH fragments, or any component of the formulation
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding — insufficient safety data in these populations
  • Acute psychotic episodes — neurotrophic stimulation may theoretically exacerbate certain psychiatric conditions; caution is warranted
  • Active seizure disorders — while neuroprotective, the effects on seizure threshold have not been fully characterized
  • Severe hypertension — although Semax does not have corticotropic activity, caution is advised in individuals with uncontrolled blood pressure
  • Children under 5 years — the Russian approval specifies use from age 5 and older for certain indications

Related

Semax Profilecognitive enhancementneuroprotectionselank dosagedsip dosageepithalon dosage

References

  1. ACTH(4-10) and its analogue Semax: mechanisms of neuroprotective action and their role in brain regulatory peptide systems (2005) — PubMed
  2. Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), stimulates the brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the rat hippocampus (2006) — PubMed
  3. Neuroprotective effect of Semax in acute period of ischemic stroke (2009) — PubMed
  4. Nootropic and analgesic effects of Semax following different routes of administration (2007) — PubMed
  5. Molecular mechanisms underlying effects of Semax on the survival of neurons in the cerebral cortex (2010) — PubMed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Semax, N-Acetyl Semax, and Adamax?
Standard Semax is the base heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro). N-Acetyl Semax (NASA) adds an acetyl group to the N-terminus, which reportedly improves resistance to enzymatic degradation and enhances blood-brain barrier penetration, potentially making it more potent per microgram. Adamax (N-Acetyl Semax Amidate) adds both an acetyl group and an amide group, further increasing stability and reported potency. The modified versions are discussed at lower doses in research contexts due to their enhanced bioavailability.
Does Semax raise cortisol levels like ACTH?
No. Despite being derived from the ACTH(4-10) fragment, Semax does not retain the corticotropic (cortisol-stimulating) activity of full-length ACTH. The fragment 4-10 of ACTH is associated with neurotrophic and cognitive effects rather than adrenal cortex stimulation. The added Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide further differentiates Semax from ACTH functionally. Research literature consistently describes Semax as lacking significant effects on cortisol, aldosterone, or other adrenocortical hormones.
How quickly does Semax take effect?
Research literature describes onset of cognitive effects within minutes of intranasal administration, with peak effects occurring within 15–30 minutes. The duration of noticeable effect per dose is discussed as approximately 4–8 hours depending on the variant used (standard Semax on the shorter end, N-Acetyl Semax and Adamax potentially longer). Neurotrophic effects such as BDNF upregulation develop over the course of a multi-day treatment course rather than from a single dose.
Is Semax approved for medical use?
Semax is approved in Russia and several other former Soviet states as a pharmaceutical nasal spray for multiple indications including stroke recovery, cognitive disorders, and optic nerve atrophy. It has been used clinically in Russia since the 1990s. 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 drug.
Can Semax be taken long-term?
The Russian clinical protocol describes short courses of 10–14 days repeated periodically rather than continuous long-term use. Some nootropic research protocols discuss extended courses of up to 30 days. The rationale for periodic use rather than continuous administration is to maintain receptor sensitivity and prevent potential downregulation of neurotrophic signaling pathways. Long-term continuous use has not been studied in controlled clinical trials, so the safety profile for extended administration is not well-characterized.
What is the difference between Semax and Selank?
Both are synthetic peptides developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences, but they have distinct mechanisms and primary effects. Semax is an ACTH analog with primarily stimulatory, neuroprotective, and cognitive-enhancing properties. Selank is a tuftsin analog with primarily anxiolytic, calming, and immunomodulatory properties. Semax upregulates BDNF and acts through catecholaminergic pathways, while Selank modulates the serotonergic system and immune cytokines. They are frequently discussed as complementary compounds in nootropic research.