Semax | Reviews, Clinical Trials, and Safety

It's critical to understand data on Semax dosing prior to using the peptide in research. Intranasal Semax is officially approved in Russia as two different formulations: a 0.1% solution and a 1% solution, which differ in indications and dosing recommendations [27].

According to the official recommendations on the Semax Nasal Drops 0.1%, the peptide is administered as follows [28]:

• Mental fatigue: 400–900mcg/day split between two or three administrations for 3-5 days.
• Mild cognitive dysfunctions in children and adolescents aged 7-18: 200–400mcg split between 2 administrations per day for 30 days.
• Optic nerve disorders: The daily dose is 600–900mcg, split between two to three administrations for 7–10 days.
• Amnestic cognitive impairment (cerebrovascular lesions, dyscirculatory encephalopathy, etc.): 200–2000mcg (3–30mcg/kg)/dose, applied four times daily for 10-14 days. The total daily dose is 800–8000mcg (7–70mcg/kg).

Semax Nasal Drops 1% are clinically administered as follows [29]:

• Stroke of moderate severity: 2000mcg-3000mcg administered three to four times a day, with 3-4 hour intervals between each application, for 10 days. The total daily dose is 6000mcg-12000mcg.
• Severe stroke: 3000mcg-4000mcg administered four to six times daily, at intervals of 2.5–3 hours, for up to 10 days. The total daily dose is 12000mcg-20000mcg.

Some trials have also employed 1% Semax nasal spray cycling, involving 10 days on and 20 days off, followed by 10 days of administration, at doses of 6000mcg/daily in stroke patients [21].

On the other hand, 0.1% intranasal Semax has been used for up to 30 days in adult glaucoma patients [30].

Unfortunately, there are no officially approved dosing guidelines or clinical studies examining the potential dosage of injectable Semax. Further, it may be difficult to extrapolate the data from the dosing of intranasal Semax to injectable Semax.

Therefore, scientists and qualified professionals may consider employing a dosing regimen of 1000mcg/daily or less in their research with injectable Semax.

• Daily Injectable Dosage: 500mcg-1000mcg of Semax, injected subcutaneously, depending on the subjects' responsiveness.
• Study Duration: Up to 30 days at doses of 1000mcg/daily. Researchers may also consider 500mcg/daily for up to 60 days.
• Semax Cycle: Ensure a rest period at least equivalent to the study duration.
• Notes: A 30mg vial of Semax for reconstitution provides 30 doses of 1000mcg/daily or 60 doses of 500mcg/daily. Monitor subjects' neurological, psychological, and physical status and EEG signs.

How To Administer Semax Nasal Spray

Semax was originally developed in Russia and approved in nasal drop format. This remains a common administration method in research settings. Compared to injections, intranasal sprays and droppers are painless and do not carry a risk of adverse reactions at the injection site.

Here are the required steps for administering Semax nasal spray:

• Preparation: Clean the application nozzle with an alcohol swab, and gently roll the solution to ensure it is properly mixed. Do not shake. Instruct each test subject to blow their nose and determine which nostril is more open.
• Positioning: Tilt the subject's head, gently close one nostril using the non-dominant hand, and grasp the nasal spray in the dominant hand.
• Administration: Insert the nozzle into the open nostril, as far as possible into the subject's nose. Press down on the spray bottle to release a single spray. Instruct subjects to inhale through their nose slowly and gently.
• Repeat: Wait 30-60 seconds in between sprays to prevent oversaturation of the mucosa, and repeat for the desired number of doses (if necessary).
• Aftercare: After administering the dose, clean the nozzle with an alcohol swab.

Semax nasal spray is painless and easy to administer, making it extremely popular among peptide researchers.

How To Administer Aliquot Semax

Subcutaneous injections are a common administration route for scientists studying the effects of research peptides such as Semax.
Researchers should note that injectable Semax for investigation is available as a lyophilized powder that must be reconstituted with an appropriate solvent before use.

Usually, bacteriostatic water is the best option for reconstituting research peptides as it contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative [31].

This will ensure that the reconstituted vial of Semax remains viable for up to four weeks when refrigerated properly at 36 to 46 degrees F.

Here is a step-by-step guide for administering Semax injections to test subjects:

• Preparation: Gather all necessary items, including the reconstituted Semax vial, sterile needles and syringes for subcutaneous injection, alcohol swabs, and a sharps container.
• Drawing the solution: Disinfect the stopper of the vial. Draw the desired dosage using the sterile syringe. Do not shake or tap the syringe, as doing so may damage the peptide.
• Choosing a site: Peptides can be injected subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Remember to rotate the injection sites with each use for all subjects.
• Preparing the injection site: Disinfect the research subject's skin at the injection site and pinch the subject's skin with the fingertips of the non-dominant hand. Take into account subcutaneous fat variations.
• Administering the injection: Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle with the bevel up, and slowly depress the plunger.
• Aftercare: Wait a few seconds after injecting the peptide and withdraw the syringe, dispose of the used needle and syringe using the sharps container, and apply light pressure to the injection site using an alcohol swab. Always use a new sterile needle and syringe for each injection.