VIP
peptideevidence: observational · v1.0.0Description
Vasoactive intestinal peptide discussed in CIRS/neuroinflammation contexts.
Mechanism summary
Neuro-immune and inflammatory signaling.
How it works
In plain terms, VIP tells blood vessels and smooth muscle to relax and tells parts of the immune system to calm down. That is why it widens airways and blood vessels and lowers some inflammatory signals.
Technically, VIP binds two receptors called VPAC1 and VPAC2. These are G-protein-coupled receptors that raise cyclic AMP inside cells, which drives the muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects. VIP also acts in the brain's master clock (the suprachiasmatic nucleus), which links it to circadian timing.
Targets: VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors (cAMP signaling). Reported actions: vasodilation, smooth-muscle relaxation, immune modulation. Main limitation: human outcome evidence is thin for most marketed uses. [Source: Peptide Dosing Protocols]
In plain language
VIP helps relax blood vessels and smooth muscles, reducing inflammation and calming the immune system.
Reference details
Route(s)
intranasal
Tags
immune, neuroinflammation
Active
yes
💉 Dosing — 3 references (verbatim from source · not a recommendation)
Dose
50 mcg per spray intranasally, up to 4 times daily (titrate per CIRS protocol; typically after correcting other abnormalities)
Route
intranasal
Frequency
up to 4 times daily
Duration
Per provider direction
Cycle
Per provider direction
Reconstitution
Compounded intranasal spray - no reconstitution required
Vial
Compounded intranasal spray (e.g., 50 mcg/actuation)
Source: Practitioner Peptide Dosing Reference (commonly published ranges) — Compiled practitioner reference (internal_protocol)Source-backedProvider-reviewed
Dose
50 mcg per spray, 4-8 sprays daily (CIRS/nasal); 50-150 pmol/kg/min (IV infusion)
Route
intranasal or oral
Reconstitution
Sterile 0.9% saline
Source: Peptide Protocol Wiki (peptideprotocolwiki.com) (publication)Source-backedProvider-reviewed
Dose
Standard: 100 mcg · Low: 50 mcg · High: 200 mcg
Route
SubQ
Frequency
1-2x daily
Duration
Ongoing
Cycle
12 week cycles.
Reconstitution
A 10 mg subcutaneous vial with 3 mL bacteriostatic water gives about 3.33 mg/mL.
Source: Peptide Dosing Protocols (peptidedosingprotocols.com) (publication)Source-backedProvider-reviewed
Safety, contraindications & monitoring
Contraindications — who should avoid
- People with pancreatitis history or elevated lipase
- People with low blood pressure
- People with active cancer should discuss first
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people (safety not established)
Safety & side effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Loose stools
- Mild headache
- Flushing
Monitoring & bloodwork
- Lipase before starting and during use
- Lipase rechecked after the first dose, about two weeks in, and after any increase
Clinical evidence
- The effect that matters most for safety monitoring is the pancreas.
- VIP has a very short biological half-life, which is why divided daily dosing is common.
Source-backedProvider-reviewedApproved findings drawn from your sources — decision support, not medical advice.
Provider-only reference. This page does not constitute medical advice, a recommendation, or dosing guidance.