# How to Reconstitute Peptides: A Complete Beginner's Guide
If you're new to peptides, reconstitution is the step that trips people up most. The vials you receive contain a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder — you need to add liquid to activate it before injecting. This guide covers everything you need to know, including the exact math to calculate your dose.
What You Need
Before you start, have these supplies ready:
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) — sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol. This is not the same as saline or plain sterile water. The benzyl alcohol preserves your peptide in solution for 4-6 weeks in the fridge.
- Insulin syringes — 29-31 gauge, 0.5" needle, 1mL capacity with 100-unit markings. These are available on Amazon or at pharmacies without a prescription.
- Alcohol swabs — wipe every vial top before drawing from it.
Where to get BAC water: Licensed pharmacies may carry bacteriostatic water for injection. PeptIQ does not sell supplies or recommend peptide vendors. One 30mL vial typically lasts months since you only use 1-2mL per peptide vial.
The Reconstitution Process
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Wash your hands thoroughly. Work on a clean surface. Have your peptide vial, BAC water vial, and syringe ready.
Step 2: Decide How Much BAC Water to Add
This is where beginners get confused, but the math is straightforward. The amount of BAC water you add determines your concentration — which determines how many units you draw for each dose.
The formula:
- Concentration (mg/mL) = Peptide amount (mg) ÷ BAC water volume (mL)
- Units per dose = Dose (mg) ÷ Concentration (mg/mL) × 100
Common examples:
| Peptide | Vial Size | BAC Water | Concentration | Dose | Units to Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TB-500 | 10mg | 2mL | 5mg/mL | 0.5mg/day | 10 units |
| BPC-157 | 5mg | 2.5mL | 2mg/mL | 250mcg (0.25mg) | 12.5 units |
| GHK-Cu | 50mg | 5mL | 10mg/mL | 1mg/day | 10 units |
| BPC-157 | 5mg | 1mL | 5mg/mL | 250mcg (0.25mg) | 5 units |
You can use any BAC water volume that gives you easy-to-draw amounts. More water = easier to measure small doses. Less water = fewer injections per vial.
Use the PeptIQ reconstitution calculator to get the exact math for your specific vial and dose in seconds.
Step 3: Draw the BAC Water
- Wipe the top of the BAC water vial with an alcohol swab
- Draw the desired amount of BAC water into your syringe (e.g., 2mL = 200 units on a 100-unit syringe)
- For larger volumes, you may need to draw in two pulls with the same syringe
Step 4: Add BAC Water to the Peptide Vial
- Wipe the top of your peptide vial with an alcohol swab
- Insert the needle and slowly inject the BAC water down the side of the vial — do not shoot it directly onto the powder
- Let it sit for 60-90 seconds. Gently swirl (never shake). The powder should dissolve into a clear solution.
If your solution is cloudy or has particles that don't dissolve, do not use it.