AICAR calculator
An AMPK activator studied as an 'exercise mimetic.' Not a peptide, prohibited in sport, and not approved for human use.
Also known as: AICA ribonucleotide, Acadesine, 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide
FDA status — not an approved drug Not FDA-approved for any use. AICAR (acadesine) is a research compound prohibited by WADA and not approved for human use.
This draw does not fit the selected syringe.200 units exceeds the 100-unit barrel. Choose a larger syringe, use less bacteriostatic water, or split the dose.
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What AICAR is
AICAR, also known as acadesine, is a small-molecule activator of the enzyme AMPK. It became known as an 'exercise mimetic' after animal studies showed it increased endurance-related gene expression without training. It is not a peptide and has no approved human use.
Research depth: 2/5 Preclinical exercise-mimetic research; no controlled human trials for performance or weight use. Human trials: None published. This measures how much has been studied — counting animal and laboratory work — not whether it works for you.
How AICAR works
AICAR enters cells and is converted to ZMP, which activates AMP-activated protein kinase — the same energy-sensing switch thrown by exercise. In animals this shifted muscle toward oxidative, fat-burning metabolism and improved endurance markers. Human efficacy and safety at the doses discussed are unstudied.
AICAR side effects
Commonly reported
- No systematic human safety data
- Theoretical effects on blood sugar and liver
Serious — seek medical care
- Prohibited by WADA — a positive test carries sporting sanctions
- Unknown long-term risks; AMPK activation affects many tissues
- Unregulated products carry contamination and purity risks
This list is not exhaustive. Report anything unexpected to the clinician who prescribed it. If you have severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek care the same day. See also our guide to peptide side effects by class.
A worked example
A 50 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 25 mg/mL. A 50000 mcg dose is then 2 mL — about 200 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe, giving roughly 1 doses per vial before accounting for residual volume left in the vial and syringe.
Prefer paper? Download the printable AICAR dosing chart (PDF) — every vial size and water volume in syringe units, with the same review byline as this page. All charts →
Commonly cited dose range
Figures circulating for AICAR run from 25000 mcg to 100000 mcg. Amounts discussed in research settings are in the tens to hundreds of milligrams. Shown in micrograms for calculator consistency. There is no approved human dose, and it is banned in sport.
Read this as reference information, not instruction. These numbers describe what is commonly discussed, not what is right for any individual. Dose, frequency, and whether to use AICAR at all are decisions for a licensed clinician who knows your history.
Common questions
Is AICAR a peptide?
No. AICAR (acadesine) is a small-molecule nucleotide analog that activates AMPK. It is sold by research suppliers and grouped with performance peptides even though it is not one.
Is AICAR legal to use in sport?
No. AICAR is explicitly listed on the WADA Prohibited List, and a positive test carries sanctions.