VIP Protocol Guide
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It is researched for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), mold illness recovery, pulmonary hypertension, and neuroprotection.
Protocol Overview
- Compound
- VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, 28 amino acids)
- Category
- Neuropeptide / CIRS / Mold Illness Research
- Chemical Structure
- His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile-Leu-Asn-NH2
- Vial Size
- 5mg (5,000mcg)
- Reconstitution
- 2mL bacteriostatic water (2.5mg/mL)
- Primary Route
- Intranasal (50 mcg/actuation)
- Alternate Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency
- 4x daily (Shoemaker CIRS protocol) or as directed
- Cycle Length
- 3–6 months for CIRS protocol
CIRS Protocol Prerequisite Warning
IMPORTANT (Shoemaker Protocol): VIP should NOT be used if MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) are present in the nasal cavity. Per the Shoemaker CIRS protocol sequence, MARCoNS must be eradicated first. Administering VIP before clearing MARCoNS may worsen inflammation. Always follow the proper CIRS sequential treatment protocol.
Dosing Protocol
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoemaker CIRS (Standard) | 50 mcg (1 puff each nostril) | 4x daily (with meals + bedtime) | Intranasal | 3–6 months |
| Conservative Intranasal Start | 50 mcg (1 puff 1 nostril) | 2x daily | Intranasal | 1–2 weeks, then increase |
| Research SubQ | 50–200 mcg | Daily | Subcutaneous | 4–12 weeks |
Key principle: VIP is primarily researched for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), mast cell activation, and inflammatory conditions — NOT as a nootropic. The Shoemaker intranasal protocol (50 mcg per nostril, 4x/day) is the most clinically researched approach. Intranasal delivery targets VIP receptors in the olfactory/CNS pathway directly.
Reconstitution Instructions
Using 2mL of bacteriostatic water results in a concentration of 2.5mg/mL (2,500 mcg/mL). For intranasal use, transfer to a calibrated nasal atomizer (delivers approximately 0.1 mL = 250 mcg per actuation; use 50 mcg = 0.02 mL per nostril with a calibrated device). Always use sterile techniques.
Materials Needed
- 5mg VIP vial (lyophilized powder)
- 2mL bacteriostatic water (sterile)
- Sterile syringe and needle (18-22 gauge for drawing)
- Calibrated nasal atomizer (LMA MAD Nasal or equivalent) for intranasal use
- Insulin syringes (29-31G) for SubQ use
- Alcohol swabs
- Clean workspace
Step-by-Step Process
- Allow VIP vial and bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature. Wipe rubber stoppers with alcohol swab.
- Draw up exactly 2mL of bacteriostatic water. Expel air bubbles.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall to avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl or roll. Do not shake vigorously.
- Solution should be clear. Do not use if cloudy.
- Concentration: 2,500 mcg/mL
Shoemaker CIRS Daily Dosing Schedule (Intranasal)
| Time | Volume per Nostril | Dose per Nostril | Total Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning (with breakfast) | 0.02 mL | 50 mcg | 100 mcg (both nostrils) |
| Midday (with lunch) | 0.02 mL | 50 mcg | 100 mcg (both nostrils) |
| Afternoon (with dinner) | 0.02 mL | 50 mcg | 100 mcg (both nostrils) |
| Bedtime | 0.02 mL | 50 mcg | 100 mcg (both nostrils) |
Daily Total: 400 mcg • Weekly Total: 2,800 mcg (2.8 mg) • Vial Duration: ~17 days (5mg vial) at this dose
Quick Dosing Reference (2.5 mg/mL concentration)
| Volume | Dose (mcg) | Route |
|---|---|---|
| 0.02 mL per nostril | 50 mcg per nostril | Intranasal (Shoemaker standard) |
| 0.04 mL per nostril | 100 mcg per nostril | Intranasal (higher dose) |
| 0.02 mL SubQ | 50 mcg | Subcutaneous |
| 0.04–0.08 mL SubQ | 100–200 mcg | Subcutaneous (research) |
Administration Guidelines
- Primary route: Intranasal — use a calibrated nasal atomizer for consistent 50 mcg delivery per nostril per actuation
- Administer with or around meals for the Shoemaker 4x daily CIRS protocol
- If SubQ: administer subcutaneously in abdomen or thigh, rotate injection sites
- Do NOT use VIP if MARCoNS are present — clear nasal bacteria first per CIRS protocol
- Monitor for symptoms: VIP may cause transient nausea, lightheadedness, or flushing at higher doses
- Store reconstituted peptide refrigerated at 36–46°F (2–8°C)
- Use reconstituted solution within 30 days
- Never freeze reconstituted peptides
- Document administration times and observations
Compatible Compounds
Common Stacks
- BPC-157: Gut healing and systemic anti-inflammatory support
- Thymosin Alpha-1: Immune modulation and antiviral support in CIRS
- NAD+: Cellular energy restoration in chronic illness
Research Applications
- CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) — Shoemaker protocol
- Mold illness recovery
- Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
- Pulmonary hypertension (preclinical/clinical)
- Neuroprotection and CNS anti-inflammatory effects
Storage Requirements
| State | Storage Conditions |
|---|---|
| Lyophilized (powder) | Room temperature or refrigerated, protect from light |
| Reconstituted | Refrigerated 36–46°F (2–8°C), use within 30 days |