MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Dosing, Cycles, Half-Life & Side Effects
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an oral growth-hormone secretagogue with a half-life of 24 hours. Non-peptide oral ghrelin mimetic that stimulates sustained GH and IGF-1 release. Dramatically improves sleep quality and increases appetite. Not technically a peptide but functions similarly. This page is educational harm-reduction reference compiled from peer-reviewed literature — not medical advice, not an endorsement, not a recommendation to use. Consult a licensed clinician before any decision.
Quick Facts
| Class | Oral GH Secretagogue |
|---|---|
| Half-life | 24 hours |
| Detection window | 14 days |
| Hepatotoxicity | Low |
| Suppression | 0/10 |
| Administration | oral |
Typical Dosing Ranges
Common dose range: 10-25mg/day (before bed)
Cycle length: 12-24 weeks
Time to steady state: ~2 days
Dose ranges are compiled from published pharmacokinetic studies and community-reported usage. Where a value is community-reported rather than clinically studied, this page and its structured data flag it. Lower end of any range is always the safer starting point.
Stacking Considerations
- No structural stacking blockers. Standard harm-reduction rules apply: minimize total androgen load, minimize oral exposure, and monitor bloodwork.
PCT Requirements
- Depot clearance estimate: ~1 days post-last-dose before SERM start (5 × apparent depot half-life of 6h).
- Never stack two SERMs. Extend a single SERM (tamoxifen OR enclomiphene/clomiphene) rather than combining.
- Use the cycle planner to generate a full protocol based on your complete stack, not this compound alone.
Side Effect Profile
- Significant appetite increase
- Water retention and bloating
- May increase blood glucose/insulin resistance
- Lethargy at high doses
- Long-term safety uncertain
Known Interactions
mk677 + HGH Fragment 176-191
minor — synergisticMK-677 and GH both increase GH/IGF-1. May cause excessive GH-related sides.
Recommendation: Generally redundant. Choose one for cost-effectiveness.
Monitor: IGF-1, Blood glucose, Water retention
Related compounds
Monitoring (Bloodwork & Vitals)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (baseline, mid-cycle, post-cycle)
- Lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
- CBC (hemoglobin, hematocrit — watch for erythrocytosis)
- Sex-hormone panel (Total T, Free T, Estradiol sensitive, SHBG, LH, FSH)
- Blood pressure (weekly self-check; flag systolic >140 or diastolic >90)
Baseline bloodwork is recommended before any cycle. Discontinue if liver enzymes exceed 3× upper limit of normal or if hematocrit exceeds 54%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the half-life of MK-677 (Ibutamoren)?
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) has a half-life of approximately 24 hours. Clearance estimate: 6h × 5 = 30h = 1.25 days. This figure is used to determine injection frequency (for esters) and post-cycle clearance timing.
What is the typical dose range for MK-677 (Ibutamoren)?
Commonly reported ranges for MK-677 (Ibutamoren): 10-25mg/day (before bed). Cycle length: 12-24 weeks. These are compiled from published studies and community-reported usage — individual response varies and lower end is always preferred.
Does MK-677 (Ibutamoren) suppress natural testosterone?
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) causes minimal suppression of the HPTA axis (score 0/10). PCT may still be advisable depending on stack and duration.
Is MK-677 (Ibutamoren) liver toxic?
Hepatotoxicity rating: Low. Non-17αα compound — liver stress is lower but still warrants periodic monitoring during a cycle.
What is MK-677 (Ibutamoren) typically used for?
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is commonly used for: Recovery, Sleep improvement, Body composition, Anti-aging. Intended-use context does not imply safety — every use case carries the same underlying pharmacological risks.
Citations
Disclaimer
StackItSmart is an independent harm-reduction reference. The content above is compiled from peer-reviewed literature and is not medical advice, not an endorsement, and not a recommendation to use MK-677 (Ibutamoren). Performance-enhancing compounds carry legal, endocrine, cardiovascular, and hepatic risks. Consult a licensed clinician before any decision. StackItSmart does not provide sourcing, procurement, or dosing prescriptions.