Melanotan II dosage chart

Reconstitution steps

1. 1Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
2. 2Inject slowly down the vial wall to avoid foaming; do not shake vigorously.
3. 3Gently roll or swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved.
4. 4Label the vial with the reconstitution date and store refrigerated at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.

Dosing Cycle & Timing

This protocol runs on a 5 days on / 2 days off cycle.

• Cycle: 5 days on, 2 days off — dose Monday through Friday and rest on the weekend.
• 5 dosing days per week; the 2 off days help limit receptor desensitisation and give injection sites time to recover.
• Keep the dose time consistent on dosing days.
• If a weekday dose is missed, take it the same day if possible — do not dose on an off day to catch up.
• Weekly totals in the supplies and shopping lists are calculated on 5 dosing days, not 7.

Important Notes

Practical considerations for consistency and safety.

• Use new sterile insulin syringes for each injection; dispose in a sharps container immediately.
• Rotate injection sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation and scarring.
• Clean vial stopper and injection site with alcohol swabs before each use; allow to air dry.
• Inject slowly and steadily; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
• Document daily dose, injection site, and any side effects to maintain consistency and track tolerance.
• Safety warning: Do not exceed 2 mg per day; case reports document serious systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis at mega-doses (6 mg).

How This Works

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that binds to melanocortin receptors, particularly MC1R and MC4R. Activation of MC1R on melanocytes stimulates melanin production and distribution, resulting in increased skin pigmentation even without UV exposure. Early Phase I studies in humans identified 0.025 mg/kg per day (approximately 1.5–2 mg for an average adult) as an appropriate dose, with measurable tanning observed after just five low doses administered over two weeks. The peptide’s subcutaneous administration allows for steady melanocortin receptor activation, with effects accumulating over the course of daily injections during the initial tanning phase.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Observations from clinical trials and case reports.

• Increases skin pigmentation (tanning) without UV exposure requirement.
• Tanning effects observable after 5–10 daily injections in most individuals.
• May induce spontaneous erections in men as a noted side effect (MC4R activation).
• Maintenance dosing (1–2× weekly) can sustain pigmentation after initial loading phase.
• Nausea (dose-dependent; most common at higher doses).
• Facial flushing and increased skin warmth.
• Reduced appetite and mild fatigue.
• Spontaneous erections or increased libido in men.
• Injection site reactions (redness, mild stinging).
• Not FDA-approved: Melanotan II is not an approved medication; use carries regulatory and safety risks.
• Dose-limiting toxicity: Severe sympathomimetic symptoms and rhabdomyolysis reported at 6 mg dose.
• Mole changes: May alter pigmentation of existing moles; theoretical melanoma concerns warrant caution.
• Cardiovascular effects: Transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure possible at higher doses.

Lifestyle Factors

Complementary strategies for safe and effective outcomes.

• UV exposure: Melanotan II increases melanin without UV, but some users combine with minimal UV exposure; always use appropriate sun protection to reduce skin cancer risk.
• Hydration: Maintain adequate fluid intake, especially if experiencing nausea or appetite suppression.
• Monitoring: Inspect moles and skin regularly for changes; seek dermatological evaluation if new or changing lesions appear.
• Dose discipline: Adhere strictly to conservative dosing protocols; never exceed 2 mg per day to avoid serious adverse effects.

Injection Technique

Subcutaneous injection guidance from clinical best-practice resources.

• Clean the vial stopper and injection site with alcohol swabs; allow both to air dry completely.
• Use a 1 mL insulin syringe (29–31 gauge, ½ inch needle) for subcutaneous administration.
• Pinch a fold of skin approximately 1 inch thick at the injection site (abdomen preferred, at least 2 inches from navel).
• Insert the needle at 45–90° depending on body composition; release the pinch after needle insertion.
• Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
• Withdraw the needle at the same angle; apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if needed.
• Rotate sites systematically to avoid lipohypertrophy or scarring.
• Dispose of used syringes immediately in a proper sharps container; never reuse needles.

Important Note

This content is intended for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Melanotan II is not an approved medication by the FDA or other regulatory agencies. Research use only; not for human consumption. Any use carries significant risks including potential serious adverse effects. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide research.

Melanotan II dosage FAQs