AICAR
Also known as Acadesine, 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide
AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, also known as acadesine) is a nucleotide analog studied as an AMPK activator and exercise mimetic. Research has focused on its ability to reproduce some metabolic adaptations of endurance exercise, such as increased fatty acid oxidation, in sedentary animal models. It has also been investigated in supervised clinical settings for cardioprotection during ischemia, though outside research use it is best known in strength and endurance communities as an experimental compound. AICAR is prohibited in competitive sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and human efficacy and safety data for performance or metabolic use outside supervised trials are limited. It should be regarded as an investigational research compound rather than an established therapeutic.
Reported benefits
- Studied in animal models for increased fatty acid oxidation
- Explored for potential endurance and exercise-capacity effects
- Investigated for insulin-sensitivity-related outcomes
- Researched historically for cardioprotective effects during ischemia
How it works
AICAR is taken up by cells and phosphorylated into ZMP, an AMP-mimetic nucleotide that allosterically activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK activation shifts cellular metabolism toward increased fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake while suppressing energy-consuming synthetic pathways, mimicking some signaling that occurs during prolonged exercise. In animal studies this has been linked to improved endurance capacity and insulin sensitivity, though these effects are not confirmed to translate directly to humans at self-administered doses.
Dosing ranges
| Tier | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 250 mg | once daily |
| Moderate | 375 mg | once daily |
| High | 500 mg | once daily |
Estimate your dose
Dose estimator
Educational estimate for AICAR, scaled to body size. Not medical advice.
Read before using
This tool produces a rough, educational estimate by scaling commonly-published research ranges to lean body mass. It is not a prescription, medical advice, or a substitute for a licensed clinician. Most peptides use fixed dosing, not weight-based dosing. Individual needs vary. You are solely responsible for how you use this information.
Mixing & syringe units
Target dose follows the estimate above. Change it there, or edit it directly below.
Reconstitution calculator
How much water to add and how many insulin-syringe units to draw for AICAR. Educational only.
Draw to this mark
7,500units
= 75 mL for a 375 mg dose
Concentration
5 mg/mL
Doses per vial
0
This dose needs 7,500 units, more than a 100-unit syringe holds. Add more water, split the dose, or use a larger syringe.
A U-100 syringe reads 100 units per mL. This is a reconstitution math helper only, not a prescription or dosing advice. Verify every calculation and consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible side effects
Stacking notes
Sometimes paired with other experimental research compounds targeting endurance or insulin sensitivity; combined effects and risks are not established. Note that AICAR is banned by WADA for competitive athletes.
Common protocols
Common questions
What is AICAR used for?
AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, also known as acadesine) is a nucleotide analog studied as an AMPK activator and exercise mimetic. Research has focused on its ability to reproduce some metabolic adaptations of endurance exercise, such as increased fatty acid oxidation, in sedentary animal models. It has also been investigated in supervised clinical settings for cardioprotection during ischemia, though outside research use it is best known in strength and endurance communities as an experimental compound. AICAR is prohibited in competitive sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and human efficacy and safety data for performance or metabolic use outside supervised trials are limited. It should be regarded as an investigational research compound rather than an established therapeutic. Reported benefits include studied in animal models for increased fatty acid oxidation, explored for potential endurance and exercise-capacity effects, investigated for insulin-sensitivity-related outcomes.
What is a typical AICAR dose?
Reported ranges run 250-500 mg. A low protocol is 250 mg once daily, and a high protocol is 500 mg once daily. This is reference information, not a dosing recommendation.
What is the half life of AICAR?
Roughly 1-3 hours, based on limited pharmacokinetic data.. That is what sets the dosing frequency, and it is why the timing guidance is ~30 min before exercise.
How is AICAR administered?
Subcutaneous: into fat, under the skin. Oral bioavailability is poor, so subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection is typical in research use.
How long is a AICAR cycle?
4-6 weeks on, followed by 4 weeks off. Limited human safety data support only short, conservative cycles.
What are the side effects of AICAR?
Reported side effects include risk of hypoglycemia due to ampk-driven glucose uptake, lactic acidosis reported in clinical ischemia-related use, prohibited substance in competitive sport (wada-banned), limited human safety data outside supervised clinical trials. Evidence level for this compound is emerging research.
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Educational use only, not medical advice. This profile is provided for research and educational purposes. AICAR may be a research compound or a prescription medication; nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dosing figures reflect commonly-published research ranges, not a prescription. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decision. Read the full disclaimer →