Melanotan II — Clinical Reference

**⚠ Educational reference only — not medical advice.** This article is for research and educational reference. Always consult your own physician before considering any peptide protocol. See the full Disclaimer at the end of this article. ## Introduction Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), developed in the 1980s as a non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist. Investigational; not FDA-approved. Bremelanotide (PT-141), a related molecule, was developed from Melanotan II specifically for sexual-function indications and IS FDA-approved (as Vyleesi). ## Mechanism of Action Melanotan II is a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors with relatively higher affinity for MC1R (pigmentation), MC3R / MC4R (appetite, sexual function), and lesser affinity for MC5R. MC1R activation drives melanogenesis in cutaneous melanocytes, producing increased pigmentation. MC4R activation drives appetite suppression and central sexual-arousal signaling. ## Research Indications Research contexts include UV-protective tanning research, sexual-function research (largely superseded by PT-141 for that indication), and appetite-modulation research. Use is widely discussed in cosmetic-tanning circles, though without approved-clinical-use status. ## Reconstitution Typical 10 mg lyophilized vial: add **2 mL of bacteriostatic water**, swirl gently. Final concentration **5000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL)** — each 0.05 mL (5 units on a U-100 insulin syringe) delivers 250 mcg. ## Dosing Protocol (research literature) Pigmentation research protocols typically use a **loading phase**: **250–500 mcg subcutaneously daily** until desired pigmentation is achieved (typically 2–4 weeks), followed by a **maintenance phase**: **500–1000 mcg SC once or twice weekly** to retain pigmentation. UV exposure synergizes the melanogenic effect; many protocols start with very low doses (100–250 mcg) and titrate due to high inter-individual variability. ## Administration Subcutaneous into abdominal fat, rotating sites. Initial doses are often timed to evening to mitigate nausea + flushing during the loading phase. ## Storage & Handling Lyophilized: refrigerate (2–8°C). Reconstituted: refrigerate; stable approximately **30 days**. Protect from light. ## Side Effects Most frequent in the loading phase: nausea (often significant), flushing, transient blood-pressure elevation, spontaneous erections in men, increased libido in both sexes. **Skin-related concerns**: increased nevus formation, darkening of existing moles, atypical mole development in long-term users. ## Contraindications Personal or family history of melanoma, atypical or dysplastic nevi, prior melanocytic lesions, pregnancy, lactation, uncontrolled hypertension, cardiovascular disease. ## Monitoring Baseline full-body skin/nevus survey and blood pressure. Periodic dermatology follow-up during use, with photographic monitoring of nevi. Discontinue immediately for any new or changing pigmented lesion. ## Disclaimer **This article is for informational and research-reference purposes only.** Nothing in this document constitutes medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation from a physician. The reconstitution, dosing, and protocol information above reflects ranges commonly cited in published research and clinician-directed protocols — it is provided as reference material only, not as instructions, an endorsement of off-label use, or a substitute for individualized medical evaluation. **Customers should do their own research and consult their own physician** before considering any peptide protocol. Whether a given compound is appropriate for an individual — and at what dose, for what duration, and alongside what monitoring — is a decision that only a licensed clinician with knowledge of that individual's medical history, current medications, and conditions can make. The platform and the author make no claim that any compound described here is safe, effective, or appropriate for any particular person or purpose, and accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from self-directed use of the information.