How to Reconstitute Peptides: Step-by-Step Guide

Reconstitution is the process of mixing a lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder with a liquid (typically bacteriostatic water) to create an injectable solution.

Why are peptides sold as powder?

• Lyophilized peptides are more stable for storage
• Extends shelf life significantly (years vs weeks)
• Reduces degradation during shipping
• Allows for custom concentration mixing

Once reconstituted, the peptide solution has a limited shelf life (typically 4-8 weeks refrigerated) and must be stored properly.

Required supplies:

1. Lyophilized peptide vial - Your peptide in powder form
2. Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) - Sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol as preservative
3. Insulin syringes - U-100 syringes for precise measurement
4. Alcohol swabs - For sterilizing vial tops
5. Clean work surface - Sanitized area for preparation

Why bacteriostatic water?

• Contains preservative to prevent bacterial growth
• Allows for multiple draws from vial
• Standard for peptide reconstitution
• Do NOT use regular sterile water (no preservative)

Syringe sizes:

• U-100 insulin syringes (100 units = 1 mL)
• Available in 0.3mL, 0.5mL, and 1mL sizes
• Smaller sizes offer more precise measurement

The amount of water you add determines your concentration. Use this formula:

Concentration (mg/mL) = Peptide Amount (mg) ÷ Water Added (mL)

Example:

• 10mg peptide vial + 2mL BAC water = 5mg/mL (5000mcg/mL)
• Each 0.1mL (10 units) = 500mcg

Common reconstitution amounts:

Peptide Amount	Water Added	Concentration	10 units =
5mg	1mL	5mg/mL	500mcg
5mg	2mL	2.5mg/mL	250mcg
10mg	2mL	5mg/mL	500mcg
10mg	3mL	3.33mg/mL	333mcg

Pro tip: Choose your water amount based on your typical dose size. If you dose 250mcg, adding 2mL to a 5mg vial means each 10 units = 250mcg (convenient measuring).

Use our Reconstitution Calculator for automatic calculations.

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Prepare your workspace

• Clean surface with alcohol
• Gather all supplies
• Wash hands thoroughly

2. Remove caps and sterilize

• Remove plastic caps from both vials
• Wipe rubber stoppers with alcohol swabs
• Allow to dry (30 seconds)

3. Draw bacteriostatic water

• Insert needle through BAC water vial stopper
• Invert vial and draw desired amount
• Remove any air bubbles

4. Add water to peptide vial

• Insert needle through peptide vial stopper
• CRITICAL: Aim water at the SIDE of the vial, not directly at powder
• Inject water slowly, letting it run down the glass wall
• This prevents damaging the peptide

5. Allow to dissolve

• Let the vial sit for a few minutes
• Gently roll between palms if needed
• NEVER shake - this can damage peptides
• Solution should become clear

6. Verify and store

• Solution should be clear (no particles)
• Label vial with: peptide name, concentration, date
• Store in refrigerator (2-8°C / 36-46°F)

Mistakes that can ruin your peptide:

❌ Shooting water directly at powder

• Damages peptide structure
• Always aim at vial wall

❌ Shaking the vial

• Denatures (damages) the peptide
• Gently roll instead

❌ Using regular sterile water

• No preservative = bacterial growth
• Always use bacteriostatic water

❌ Not sterilizing vial tops

• Introduces contamination
• Always wipe with alcohol

❌ Storing at room temperature

• Rapid degradation
• Always refrigerate after reconstitution

❌ Using too much water

• Makes accurate dosing difficult
• Plan concentration based on typical dose

❌ Reusing needles

• Contamination risk
• Use fresh needle for each draw

Proper storage is critical:

State	Temperature	Shelf Life
Lyophilized (powder)	Room temp or refrigerated	1-2+ years
Lyophilized (powder)	Frozen	2+ years
Reconstituted	Refrigerated (2-8°C)	4-8 weeks
Reconstituted	Frozen	Not recommended

Storage tips:

• Store reconstituted peptides in the refrigerator door (less temperature fluctuation)
• Keep away from light
• Never freeze reconstituted peptides (ice crystals damage structure)
• Mark reconstitution date on vial
• Discard if solution becomes cloudy or has particles