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Reviewed by MyPeptideMatch Editorial TeamLast reviewed February 2026Updated February 2026

AICAR Dosing Protocol: 50 mg Vial — AMPK Activation & Endurance Guide

AICAR (acadesine) AMPK activator dosing guide for the 50 mg vial — metabolic reprogramming for endurance, fat oxidation, and insulin sensitivity.

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Quickstart highlights

AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) is a cell-permeable AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) activator.

  • Concentration: 10 mg/mL (50 mg vial + 5 mL bacteriostatic water).
  • At 10 mg/mL: 25 mg = 2.5 mL (250 units); standard dose.
  • Narkar et al. 2008: AICAR x 4 weeks produced 44% increase in running endurance in mice WITHOUT exercise.
  • Inject in the morning before exercise for maximum fat oxidation synergy.
  • WADA prohibits AICAR for athletes in competition — verify anti-doping status before competitive use.

Dosing table

For educational reference only. Your prescribing provider may adjust doses based on your clinical profile and response.

WeekDose (µg)UnitsFrequencyNotes
1-2——Once daily (morning)10 mg — 100 units (1 mL at 10 mg/mL); starting dose; assess energy and metabolic response
3-8——Once daily (morning)25 mg — 250 units (2.5 mL at 10 mg/mL); standard dose; one 50 mg vial provides 2 doses at this level
alt——Once daily (morning) 5 days on / 2 days off50 mg — 500 units; research dose from Narkar et al. 2008; rarely used due to theoretical oncological concern at high sustained doses

Reconstitution steps

  1. Draw 5 mL bacteriostatic water; inject slowly down the vial wall.
  2. Swirl gently until dissolved; do not shake.
  3. Final concentration: 10 mg/mL. At 10 mg/mL: 10 mg = 1 mL (100 units), 25 mg = 2.5 mL.
  4. Label with date; refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Use within 28 days.

Supplies needed

8-week plan

  • 4 vials
  • 56 syringes
  • 20 mL bac water
  • 56 alcohol swabs
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Protocol overview & cycle notes

Activate AMPK to reprogram cellular metabolism toward fat oxidation, enhance insulin sensitivity, improve endurance capacity, and mimic exercise-induced metabolic adaptations through daily morning AICAR subcutaneous injections.

Cycle length: 8 weeks on.

Off-cycle: 4 weeks off after 8-week cycle; avoid continuous use exceeding 3 months.

Storage & handling

Lyophilized: store below 25 °C. Reconstituted at 10 mg/mL: refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within 28 days. AICAR is a nucleotide derivative — protect from light. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.

Injection & tracking tips

  • Inject subcutaneously in the morning 30–60 minutes before exercise if combining with training — AMPK activation enhances fat oxidation and glycogen sparing during exercise.
  • At 25 mg (2.5 mL at 10 mg/mL): divide into two 1.25 mL SC injections at adjacent sites for comfort.
  • AICAR activates AMPK independently of energy status — exercise-independent metabolic reprogramming occurs even on rest days.

Tracking

Logging helps you and your provider spot patterns and adjust dose or timing.

  • Measure fasting insulin and HOMA-IR at baseline and 8 weeks to assess insulin sensitivity improvement.
  • Track VO2max estimate (submaximal exercise test) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.
  • Log fasting blood glucose daily if diabetic or pre-diabetic — AICAR may reduce glucose levels, requiring medication adjustment.
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How this works & references

AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) is a cell-permeable AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) activator. Intracellularly, AICAR is phosphorylated to AICA ribonucleoside monophosphate (ZMP), which mimics AMP and activates AMPK by binding the gamma subunit allosterically. AMPK activation drives: (1) PGC-1alpha upregulation and mitochondrial biogenesis; (2) GLUT4 translocation to the membrane, increasing glucose uptake independently of insulin; (3) ACC inhibition, reducing malonyl-CoA and enabling fatty acid oxidation; (4) mTOR inhibition, promoting autophagy. Narkar et al. (2008, Cell) demonstrated that AICAR administration for 4 weeks in mice produced a 44% increase in running endurance WITHOUT exercise, reprogramming slow-twitch muscle fiber gene expression.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Is AICAR banned in sports?
Yes — AICAR is on the WADA Prohibited List (2024 and subsequent editions) under Section S4 (Hormone and Metabolic Modulators). It is prohibited both in-competition and out-of-competition for all athletes subject to WADA code. Recreational users not subject to anti-doping rules are not affected by this restriction.
Does AICAR cause cancer risk?
AMPK activation is generally considered tumor-suppressive in most contexts (metformin, a less direct AMPK activator, has cancer protective data). However, in some cancer cell types, AMPK may provide metabolic support for tumor survival under nutrient stress. At standard compounding doses (10–50 mg/day), the risk-benefit for healthy adults appears favorable, but oncology history is a relative contraindication. Avoid AICAR if you have or have had cancer, particularly metabolically active cancers.
Can AICAR replace exercise?
Partially — Narkar et al. demonstrated exercise-independent endurance improvement. However, AICAR does not replicate mechanical loading benefits (bone density, tendon/ligament strength, proprioception) or the cardiovascular remodeling from cardiac output demands of exercise. It is best viewed as a metabolic enhancer when combined with exercise, or as a partial substitute during injury recovery when full exercise is contraindicated.
How many 50 mg vials do I need for 8 weeks at 25 mg/day?
25 mg/day x 56 days = 1,400 mg total. At 50 mg per vial: 28 vials needed for a continuous 8-week protocol at 25 mg/day. Most users reduce frequency (5 days on / 2 days off) to lower cost: 25 mg x 40 active days = 1,000 mg = 20 vials.
Can AICAR improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes?
Yes — this is one of the most documented AICAR effects. GLUT4 translocation to the muscle plasma membrane by AMPK activation occurs independently of insulin signaling, bypassing insulin resistance. Zou et al. (2004, J Physiol) demonstrated AICAR-induced glucose uptake in insulin-resistant human skeletal muscle. It is not approved for diabetes treatment but has documented mechanistic relevance.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Dosing and protocols may vary by formulation and prescriber.

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