What is Melanotan II?

A synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Known for inducing skin tanning and having effects on libido and sexual function.

Is Melanotan II FDA approved?

No, Melanotan II is not FDA approved. Current status: Not approved - Research discontinued due to side effects

What are the side effects of Melanotan II?

Reported side effects of Melanotan II include: Nausea (common), Facial flushing, Fatigue, Spontaneous penile erections, Darkening of skin and moles, Priapism (requires emergency care), Association with melanoma risk, May trigger histamine release - use caution with MCAS or histamine sensitivity, ILLEGAL in US, UK, Australia - not FDA approved.

What is the typical dosing for Melanotan II?

Doses observed in research and user reports. Common doses observed in research: 250-500 mcg initially, Maintenance: 500mcg weekly after loading. Duration: Loading phase 2-3 weeks, then maintenance. Administration: Subcutaneous injection.

Sexual Health

Melanotan II

Also known as: MT-II, MT2, Melanotan 2

Research

Popular For

Tanning, libido enhancement, erectile function

Key Facts: Melanotan II

Category: Sexual Health
FDA Status: Not FDA Approved
Clinical Status: Not approved - Research discontinued due to side effects
Administration: Subcutaneous injection
Typical Dose: 250-500 mcg daily (loading), then 500-1,000 mcg weekly (maintenance)
Frequency: Daily during loading (1-2 weeks), then weekly maintenance
Evidence Level: Limited Research
Duration: Loading phase 2-3 weeks, then maintenance

Also Known As

MT-II, MT2, Melanotan 2

Mechanism of Action

MT-II binds to melanocortin receptors (MC1R for tanning, MC4R for sexual effects). MC1R activation stimulates melanin production in skin cells. MC4R activation in the brain influences sexual arousal and erectile function.

Research Summary

Research demonstrates effective skin darkening without UV exposure, though UV enhances effects. Studies show improvement in erectile dysfunction. Originally developed for skin cancer prevention. PT-141 (bremelanotide) was derived from this research.

Clinical Status:Not approved - Research discontinued due to side effects

Trial Progress:Preclinical

Pre

III

FDA

Dosing Information

Limited Research·Limited formal studies available

Typical DosingⓘDoses commonly used by people in practice, based on community reports and anecdotal experience.

Community experience

Common Dose

250-500 mcg daily (loading), then 500-1,000 mcg weekly (maintenance)

Range

100-1,000 mcg per dose

Frequency

Daily during loading (1-2 weeks), then weekly maintenance

Start very low to assess tolerance. Causes tanning, may increase libido. Nausea common initially. UV exposure needed for tanning effect.

Research DosingⓘDoses from published scientific studies and clinical trials. May include human or animal research.

Scientific studies

Doses observed in research and user reports

Doses from Studies

250-500 mcg initially

Research Literature - Observed in studies ↗

Maintenance: 500mcg weekly after loading

Research Literature - Observed in studies ↗

Duration

Loading phase 2-3 weeks, then maintenance

Administration

Subcutaneous injection

Timing & Administration

Best Time to Take

Evening or before sun exposure

Once daily during loading, then maintenance

Food Recommendation

With or without food

Why This Timing?

Melanotan II is used for tanning and libido. Evening use minimizes visible flushing; pre-sun exposure maximizes tanning.

Possible Side Effects

Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.

●Nausea (common)
●Facial flushing
●Fatigue
●Spontaneous penile erections
●Darkening of skin and moles
●Priapism (requires emergency care)
●Association with melanoma risk
●May trigger histamine release - use caution with MCAS or histamine sensitivity
●ILLEGAL in US, UK, Australia - not FDA approved

References

Related Peptides

Peptides commonly compared with Melanotan II or used in similar applications.

PT-141

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An FDA-approved melanocortin receptor agonist for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Derived from Melanotan II research.

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BPC-157

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Semaglutide

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MK-677

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Wolverine Stack

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Peptide Blend

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