Tirzepatide Dosage Chart
The 2.5mg → 15mg schedule, plus dose-to-units
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound, and compounded) is titrated weekly from 2.5mg up to a maximum of 15mg. This chart shows the standard escalation schedule and converts each dose to syringe units for vialed or compounded tirzepatide. Always follow your prescriber and product label.
How tirzepatide titration works
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection that starts low and increases in 2.5mg steps about every 4 weeks. The 2.5mg starting dose is a tolerance-building dose, not a therapeutic one — it exists to reduce nausea before you reach effective doses. From there, you and your prescriber move up only as tolerated.
Maintenance can be 5mg, 10mg, or the maximum 15mg, depending on response and side effects. Many people hold at a lower dose if it is working; there is no requirement to reach 15mg.
Tirzepatide titration schedule (2.5mg → 15mg)
| Dose | Typical timing | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | Weeks 1–4 | Starter / tolerance dose (not therapeutic)Best |
| 5 mg | Weeks 5–8 | First maintenance option |
| 7.5 mg | Weeks 9–12 | Step-up if more effect needed |
| 10 mg | Weeks 13–16 | Common maintenance dose |
| 12.5 mg | Weeks 17–20 | Step-up if tolerated |
| 15 mg | Week 21+ | Maximum dose |
Tirzepatide dose to syringe units (vials)
| Dose | 5 mg/mL | 10 mg/mL | 20 mg/mL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | 0.5 mL → 50 | 0.25 mL → 25 | 0.13 mL → 13Best |
| 5 mg | 1.0 mL → 100 | 0.5 mL → 50 | 0.25 mL → 25 |
| 7.5 mg | 1.5 mL → 150* | 0.75 mL → 75 | 0.38 mL → 38 |
| 10 mg | 2.0 mL → 200* | 1.0 mL → 100 | 0.5 mL → 50 |
| 12.5 mg | 2.5 mL → 250* | 1.25 mL → 125* | 0.63 mL → 63 |
| 15 mg | 3.0 mL → 300* | 1.5 mL → 150* | 0.75 mL → 75 |
Escalation tips & safety
Hold a dose longer (or step back down) if side effects are difficult — there is no rule that you must escalate every 4 weeks. Slower titration is a common way to manage nausea, constipation, and fatigue.
This chart is a reference, not medical advice. Your prescriber sets your schedule based on your response, side effects, and goals. Compounded tirzepatide is not identical to branded pens, so confirm concentration and dose carefully.
Guide FAQs
The maximum approved tirzepatide dose is 15mg once weekly. Maintenance can also be 5mg or 10mg — you do not have to reach 15mg if a lower dose is working and well tolerated.
Typically by one 2.5mg step about every 4 weeks, and only as tolerated. Many people stay longer at a dose or hold at a lower maintenance dose to manage side effects.
For vials, units depend on your concentration. At 10mg/mL: 2.5mg = 25 units, 5mg = 50, 7.5mg = 75, 10mg = 100. Branded Mounjaro/Zepbound pens are pre-measured, so units only matter for vialed/compounded tirzepatide.
Yes — both are tirzepatide and use the same 2.5mg→15mg titration. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for obesity, but the dose ladder is identical.
Yes. Shotlee logs each weekly dose, reminds you when to escalate, and tracks side effects and weight — free.
Track Your Tirzepatide Schedule in Shotlee
Log doses, get escalation reminders, and track side effects and weight — free.