Tirzepatide Dosage Chart
The complete FDA-labeled titration schedule for tirzepatide — the same 2.5 mg → 15 mg ladder used by both Mounjaro and Zepbound — plus what each step means, missed-dose rules, and how compounded tirzepatide dosing differs.
The short answer
Tirzepatide starts at 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, steps up to 5 mg, then increases by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks as tolerated (7.5, 10, 12.5) up to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly. Mounjaro and Zepbound use the identical schedule; the slow step-up exists to limit nausea, not to reach the top.
Key takeaways
- Starting dose: 2.5 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks (a starter dose, not for long-term control).
- Step up by 2.5 mg no sooner than every 4 weeks, as side effects allow: 5 → 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 mg.
- Maximum dose: 15 mg once weekly for both Mounjaro and Zepbound.
- Mounjaro and Zepbound share the exact same titration — the difference is the indication, not the doses.
- Compounded tirzepatide concentration varies by pharmacy, so its "units" are not universal — follow your pharmacy label, not the pen schedule.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) dosing chart
FDA-labeled titration schedule — the standard step-up most prescribers follow to limit nausea. Your prescriber may adjust the pace to your tolerance.
| Phase | Dose | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1–4 | 2.5 mg | Starting dose — body adjusts |
| Week 5–8 | 5 mg | First therapeutic dose |
| Week 9+ | 7.5–15 mg | Titrate by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks as tolerated |
| Maintenance | Up to 15 mg | Maximum approved dose |
Maximum approved Tirzepatide dose: Up to 15 mg. Source: FDA prescribing information. Doses above the maximum add side effects without added benefit.
Why tirzepatide is titrated so slowly
The step-up is not about the drug "kicking in" — tirzepatide is active from the first dose. The slow ladder exists to give your gut time to adapt so gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea, constipation) stay manageable. Each dose increase can trigger a fresh, usually temporary wave of those effects, which is why prescribers wait at least 4 weeks between steps. There is no benefit to climbing faster, and going above 15 mg adds side effects without added weight loss or glucose control.
Mounjaro vs Zepbound dosing — same molecule, different label
Mounjaro and Zepbound are both tirzepatide and use the identical 2.5 mg → 15 mg schedule. The only differences are the FDA-labeled use — Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, Zepbound for chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea — and the pen labeling. If you switch between them at the same dose, your prescriber can usually transition without resetting the titration.
Compounded tirzepatide dosing — read the label, not the pen chart
Compounded tirzepatide is not an FDA-approved finished product, and its concentration (mg per mL) is set by the compounding pharmacy — it is not standardized like the brand pens. That means the number of syringe "units" for a given mg dose is not universal and can differ from Mounjaro or Zepbound. Dose only by the mg amount and concentration on your pharmacy's label and your prescriber's written instructions; never assume a compounded vial matches the brand pen schedule.
What to do if you miss a dose
If it has been 4 days (96 hours) or less since the missed dose, take it as soon as you remember, then continue your normal weekly schedule. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next one on your regular day — do not double up. After missing several weeks, contact your prescriber, who may restart you at a lower dose and titrate back up to limit returning side effects.
Common questions about this medication
What is the tirzepatide dosage chart / titration schedule?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) starts at 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, increases to 5 mg for weeks 5–8, then rises by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks as tolerated — 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg — up to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly. The 2.5 mg dose is a starting dose only and is not intended for long-term weight or glucose control.
How long do you stay on each tirzepatide dose?
At least 4 weeks per step. The step-up is deliberately slow to let gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea) settle before the next increase. Prescribers can hold you longer at a dose — or move you back down — if side effects are hard to tolerate; there is no benefit to rushing.
What is the maximum dose of tirzepatide?
15 mg once weekly is the maximum FDA-approved dose for both Mounjaro and Zepbound. Doses above 15 mg add side effects without added benefit and are not approved. Many people reach their goal at 5, 7.5, or 10 mg and never need the maximum.
Is the Mounjaro dosage chart the same as Zepbound?
Yes — Mounjaro and Zepbound are both tirzepatide and use the identical 2.5 mg → 15 mg titration schedule. The difference is the labeled use (Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, Zepbound for weight management and obstructive sleep apnea), not the doses or the step-up pace.
What if I miss a dose of tirzepatide?
If it has been 4 days (96 hours) or less since your missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 4 days have passed, skip that dose and take your next one on your regular day — do not double up. If you miss doses for several weeks, ask your prescriber, who may restart you at a lower dose.
How is compounded tirzepatide dosing different?
Compounded tirzepatide is not an FDA-approved finished product, and its concentration (mg per mL) varies by pharmacy, so the number of "units" on a syringe is not universal and can differ from brand pens. Follow the exact dose and concentration on your compounding pharmacy’s label and your prescriber’s instructions — do not assume it matches the Mounjaro/Zepbound pen schedule.
Doses reflect current FDA prescribing information for Mounjaro and Zepbound. This is an editorial reference, not medical advice or a prescription — your prescriber sets your dose and titration pace. Reviewed 2026-07-15.