Peptide Schedule
Melanotan II7 residues (approx.)MDHFRWKEach bubble = one amino acid. Size = residue mass. Color = chemical class.Uses closest standard amino acids for non-standard residues.Melanotan II
Benefits
About Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It activates melanocortin receptors (MC1R through MC5R), producing three distinct effects: skin tanning without UV exposure, enhanced libido and sexual function, and mild appetite suppression. It's loaded daily for 1-2 weeks until desired tan is achieved, then maintained with 1-2 injections per week.
Who Should Consider Melanotan II
- Adults seeking UV-free skin tanning
- Men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction
- Individuals with low libido or sexual arousal disorders
- Fair-skinned individuals prone to sunburn (Fitzpatrick I-II)
- Researchers studying melanocortin receptor pathways
What to Expect
Nausea is most common during initial doses — start at 250mcg. Facial flushing and mild appetite suppression may occur. No visible tanning yet.
Skin darkening begins, especially in areas with higher melanocyte density (face, arms, existing freckles). Libido increase often noticed. Nausea typically fades.
Noticeable tan develops. Moles may darken — monitor closely. Transition to maintenance dosing (500mcg 1-2x/week). Sexual function effects stabilize.
Tan reaches desired level. Minimal UV exposure helps activate and deepen pigmentation. Maintenance dose sustains color. Side effects are generally mild or absent at this stage.
Tan fades gradually over 1-3 months as melanin turns over naturally. Sexual function effects diminish within days of stopping. No known withdrawal effects.
Dosing Protocol
| Level | Dose / Injection | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 250mcg | Daily |
| Moderate | 500mcg | Daily |
| Aggressive | 1mg | Daily |
Note: Loading phase: dose daily for 7-14 days. Maintenance: 500mcg 1-2x/week. Causes skin tanning, libido enhancement, and mild appetite suppression. UV exposure enhances tanning effect. Avoid in those with many moles or melanoma history.
Pharmacokinetics
Source: Estimated from phase-I data (Dorr et al. 1996 PMID 8637402); cyclic structure confers t½ ~1-2h
Loading the interactive decay curve.
Side Effects
Nausea (especially initially — start low). Facial flushing. Mole darkening. Spontaneous erections. Do NOT use with melanoma history or many atypical moles.
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of melanoma or atypical mole syndrome
- History of skin cancer of any type
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension
- Known hypersensitivity to melanocortin peptides
- Multiple dysplastic nevi or FAMMM syndrome
- Autoimmune skin conditions
Drug Interactions
- PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) — combined pro-erectile effects may increase risk of priapism
- Antihypertensives — potential additive blood pressure lowering from vasodilatory effects
- Immunosuppressants — theoretical interaction due to melanocortin involvement in immune modulation
- Other melanocortin receptor agonists (PT-141/bremelanotide) — overlapping receptor activation, do not combine
Molecular Profile
Related Peptides
References
- Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic ED: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study (Wessells et al. 1998)PubMed 9679884
- Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II (Wessells et al. 2000)PubMed 11035391
- Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study (Dorr et al. 1996)PubMed 8637402
- Discovery that a melanocortin regulates sexual functions in male and female humans (Hadley 2005)PubMed 15996790
- Melanoma associated with the use of melanotan-II (Hjuler et al. 2014)PubMed 24355990
- Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization (Hadley & Dorr 2006)PubMed 16412534