VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
A signalling peptide used off-label intranasally for chronic inflammatory response (CIRS) recovery.
Class
Vasoactive intestinal peptide / immune modulator
Half-life
Very short (~1–2 minutes systemically)
Evidence
Limited human data
Limited human data
Small open-label studies, case series, or trials in a narrow population. Directionally informative, not conclusive.
Overview
VIP is a naturally occurring 28-amino-acid peptide with broad roles in vasodilation, immune regulation, and neuroprotection. In the peptide-therapy world it is best known from the Shoemaker protocol for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS, often mold-related), where intranasal VIP is used as a late-stage step to normalise inflammatory markers.
The evidence outside that niche protocol is limited, and even within it the data is largely observational. VIP is a potent vasodilator, so it can lower blood pressure, and its receptors appear on some tumours, which informs its cautions.
How it works
- Agonises VPAC1/VPAC2 receptors, producing vasodilation and broad anti-inflammatory signalling.
- Shifts immune activity away from pro-inflammatory Th1/Th17 responses.
- Neuroprotective and regulatory effects on the HPA axis.
What the research shows
Researched effects
- Reported normalisation of inflammatory and hormonal markers in CIRS protocols
- Anti-inflammatory and immune-rebalancing effects
- Pulmonary and vascular effects from its vasodilatory action
Limitations & what it won't do
- Evidence is largely from a single niche protocol and is observational.
- Very short half-life; delivered intranasally for local/CNS effect.
- Not FDA approved.
Dosing protocols
These ranges reflect published trials and community protocols. They are reference information, not a prescription. Doses are per injection unless noted.
Intranasal protocol (CIRS, reference)
~50 mcg per sprayUsed within a specific clinical protocol under supervision. First dose is often done in a clinical setting to watch blood pressure.
Reconstitution & measuring your dose
Handling
- Typical vial sizes
- 5 · 10 mg
- Suggested BAC water
- 2 mL
- Storage
- Refrigerate; VIP is fragile once reconstituted.
- After reconstitution
- Reconstituted: use within ~2 weeks; stability is limited.
Why 2 mL? Formulated into a nasal spray rather than injected. A 5 mg vial reconstituted into a metered nasal bottle delivers roughly 50 mcg per actuation depending on the device.
Dose calculator
Draw to
5units
= 0.05 mL · 50 mcg per unit
Concentration
5000 mcg/mL
Doses per vial
40
Side effects
Common
- Flushing
- Transient blood pressure drop / lightheadedness
- Nasal irritation
- Loose stools
Serious / rare
- Significant hypotension
- Theoretical concern with VIP-receptor-expressing tumours
Contraindications & interactions
Do not use if you have
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
No pregnancy safety data.
- Active cancer or current oncology treatment
VIP receptors are expressed on some tumours; avoid during active malignancy.
Use caution if you have
- Cardiovascular disease
Potent vasodilation can lower blood pressure — caution with cardiovascular disease.
- High blood pressure
Blood-pressure-lowering effect requires monitoring, especially with the first dose.
Medication interactions
- cautionBlood pressure medication — Additive blood-pressure lowering.
- cautionNitrates — Additive vasodilation and hypotension risk.
- cautionPDE5 inhibitors — Additive hypotension.
What to monitor
- Blood pressure, especially at initiation
- Inflammatory markers if used in a CIRS protocol
Commonly combined with
References
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide: clinical physiology and effectsClinical review, 2026
Research & educational information only — not medical advice.
You must be 18 or older to use this site. The peptides described are presented as research chemicals intended for research purposes only. Most are not approved by the FDA for human use. Dosing ranges reflect what has appeared in the scientific literature or community protocols and are not prescriptions. Nothing here replaces evaluation by a licensed physician who knows your full medical history.
Want to know if VIP fits your goals and history?
The assessment cross-checks your medical history and medications against this and every other compound before it recommends anything.
Start the assessment