Melanotan II: the complete guide
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-MSH that stimulates melanogenesis (skin darkening) and is studied for its effects on libido and appetite via the melanocortin system.
How Melanotan II works
MT-II is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist binding MC1R (pigmentation), MC3R and MC4R (appetite, libido, erectile function).
Typical Melanotan II dosage
Commonly reported research ranges: Loading: 250–500 mcg daily. Maintenance: 500–1000 mcg 1–2x weekly..
Dose should always be individualized. Factors that influence it include bodyweight, research goal, tolerance, and specific compound batch. The information below is educational, not a prescription.
How to reconstitute Melanotan II
A widely used reconstitution for a 10 mg vial is 2 ml of bacteriostatic water. With a typical 250 mcg dose this works out to the unit count shown in the calculator below.
Half-life and administration frequency
Approximately 33 hours.
This half-life informs how often Melanotan II is typically dosed. Shorter half-lives usually mean more frequent dosing to maintain plasma levels; longer half-lives allow daily, weekly, or less-frequent administration depending on the compound.
Reported side effects
- Nausea (especially first few doses)
- Facial flushing
- Increased libido / spontaneous erections
- Darkening of moles and freckles
- Loss of appetite
- Rare: new melanocytic lesions
This list reflects effects reported in available literature or user logs. It is not exhaustive. Adverse reactions should be discussed with a qualified clinician.
Common Melanotan II stacks
- Generally used alone
Storage and handling
Lyophilized refrigerated. Reconstituted: refrigerated 2–8 °C, use within 28 days.
FDA and regulatory status
Not FDA approved. Banned in several countries for consumer use. Research use only in the US.
Melanotan II clinical trials and evidence
For clinical-trial and primary-literature context, start with the sources below. We prioritize official drug labels, ClinicalTrials.gov records, and PubMed-indexed literature when available.
- Melanotan clinical trial records — ClinicalTrials.gov
Track your Melanotan II protocol on iPhone
Peptide Protocol logs every dose, calculates reconstitution for you, and keeps your full protocol on one calm screen.
See the app →Frequently asked questions
What is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-MSH that stimulates melanogenesis (skin darkening) and is studied for its effects on libido and appetite via the melanocortin system.
How does Melanotan II work?
MT-II is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist binding MC1R (pigmentation), MC3R and MC4R (appetite, libido, erectile function).
What is a typical Melanotan II dose?
Commonly reported ranges are Loading: 250–500 mcg daily. Maintenance: 500–1000 mcg 1–2x weekly.. This is research information, not a recommendation — dosing should be individualized under clinical guidance.
What is the half-life of Melanotan II?
Approximately 33 hours. This influences how often it is administered.
How do you reconstitute Melanotan II?
A common approach is to add 2 ml of bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial. Use the reconstitution calculator for exact unit counts.
What are the side effects of Melanotan II?
Nausea (especially first few doses); Facial flushing; Increased libido / spontaneous erections; Darkening of moles and freckles; Loss of appetite; Rare: new melanocytic lesions.
Is Melanotan II FDA approved?
Not FDA approved. Banned in several countries for consumer use. Research use only in the US.
Are there clinical trials for Melanotan II?
Registered or published clinical-trial sources for Melanotan II are listed in the references section below. Evidence depth varies widely by compound, so check the cited trial registries and primary literature before relying on any claim.
References
- Melanotan II / afamelanotide literature (PubMed) — National Library of Medicine. Primary research on melanocortin agonists, pigmentation, and safety
- Afamelanotide (Scenesse) — FDA Drugs@FDA — U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA-approved MC1R agonist for erythropoietic protoporphyria — related analog, not MT-II itself
- Melanotan clinical trial records — ClinicalTrials.gov. Registered trials across pigmentation and photoprotection
Sources listed above were used to verify the claims on this page. See our editorial policy for how we source information.
Educational use only. Peptide Protocol is an informational tool. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice. Many peptides are prescription-only or restricted in your jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before injecting any compound.