Melanotan II
Also known as: MT-II, MT2, Melanotan 2
Primary use: Tanning and sexual enhancement
What is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, originally developed at the University of Arizona. Primarily used for tanning and sexual enhancement, it is known for stimulating melanin production and increasing sexual arousal. It remains unapproved by the FDA with notable concerns about its side effects, including nausea and the potential risk of melanoma.
- Promotes rapid skin tanning
- Enhances sexual function
- Appetite suppression
Melanotan II acts as a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors, binding primarily to MC1R for skin tanning and MC4R for sexual arousal. This receptor engagement leads to increased melanin production and stimulates sexual drive through specific pathways in the skin and brain.
Safety Tips
- 1DON'T start with a high dose - begin with the lowest effective dose to assess tolerance.
- 2DON'T use if you have a history of melanoma or skin cancer.
- 3DON'T inject within 2 hours of eating to minimize nausea.
- 4NEVER use without proper sterile technique to avoid infection.
- 5AVOID use if you have high blood pressure due to potential increases post-injection.
- 6DON'T store reconstituted solutions in direct light - they are light-sensitive.
- 7DON'T mix with PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis without medical advice.
- 8DON'T administer more frequently than recommended; follow the advised protocols.
Who Should NOT Use
- History of melanoma
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Known allergy to MT-II
Dosage & Protocols
Different purposes have different protocols, dosing, and considerations
UV-Free Tanning
limited evidenceUsed recreationally to achieve skin tanning without sun exposure by stimulating melanin production.
Evidence: Community reports and limited studies indicate efficacy for skin darkening.
The following are ranges reported in published literature and community discussions. These are NOT recommendations or medical advice.
📋Community-Reported Protocols
The following protocols are compiled from online communities and published literature. Pepbase does not endorse, recommend, or verify these protocols. They are provided for informational purposes only. Individual responses vary significantly. Consult a licensed medical professional before any use.
| Reported Goal | Reported Dose | Reported Frequency | Reported Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial tanning | 0.25mg | Daily | Subcutaneous injection |
| Maintenance | 0.5-1mg | 2-3x weekly | Subcutaneous injection |
⏱️Pharmacokinetics
⚡Reported Side Effects
This is not a complete list. Other side effects may occur.
Common
Serious / Rare
- • Priapism
- • Increased melanoma risk
Injection-Specific Warnings
- Avoid injection site reactions through site rotation.
🧊Storage
Sexual Enhancement
limited evidenceUtilized to enhance sexual arousal and erectile function by activating MC4R receptors in the brain.
Evidence: Limited studies have shown some efficacy in increasing sexual arousal and erectile function.
The following are ranges reported in published literature and community discussions. These are NOT recommendations or medical advice.
📋Community-Reported Protocols
The following protocols are compiled from online communities and published literature. Pepbase does not endorse, recommend, or verify these protocols. They are provided for informational purposes only. Individual responses vary significantly. Consult a licensed medical professional before any use.
| Reported Goal | Reported Dose | Reported Frequency | Reported Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Enhancement | 0.5-1mg | As needed | Subcutaneous injection |
⏱️Pharmacokinetics
⚡Reported Side Effects
This is not a complete list. Other side effects may occur.
Common
Serious / Rare
- • Priapism
- • Increased blood pressure
Injection-Specific Warnings
- Priapism can result if not dosed carefully.
🧊Storage
Harm Reduction Information
Quality Concerns
- Contamination from unregulated sources
- Purity below 98%
- Improper reconstitution
Safety Tips
- Use sterile technique for injection
- Start with a low dose to assess tolerance
- Rotate injection sites to avoid irritation
- Store vials in a refrigerator, protected from light
- Consider cycling to prevent tolerance
Warning Signs to Stop
- Severe nausea
- Changes in mole color or size
- Persistent or painful erections
Seek Medical Help Immediately If
- Priapism lasting longer than 4 hours
- Severe allergic reaction
- Signs of rhabdomyolysis
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until I see effects?
Melanotan II typically starts to show tanning effects within the first week of use, with sexual effects noticeable within a few hours.
What time of day should I take it?
It's best to take Melanotan II in the evening for tanning or 2-4 hours before sexual activity to minimize flushing and maximize effectiveness.
How can I minimize side effects?
To minimize side effects with Melanotan II, start with a low dose to assess tolerance and consider evening dosing to reduce visible flushing.
Does tolerance develop?
Tolerance to Melanotan II can occur, particularly with sexual effects. Cycling may help manage tolerance development.
How should I store it?
Store Melanotan II in a refrigerator at 2-8°C, protected from light to maintain stability and effectiveness.
Do I need to cycle it?
Cycling Melanotan II is recommended to prevent tolerance and manage prolonged use safely.
Reported Combinations
Compounds reported to be used alongside Melanotan II in community discussions. Not a recommendation.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
Both enhance sexual arousal through similar pathways.
BPC-157
May help mitigate some adverse effects due to its healing properties.
Arginine
Can support nitric oxide production, enhancing erectile function.
Reported Interactions
Interactions reported in literature and community discussions.
Combining with PDE5 inhibitors can increase the risk of priapism.
May cause temporary increases in blood pressure, monitor closely.
Can exacerbate side effects like nausea and flushing.
May reduce the histamine-related side effects.
Generally safe but may increase jitteriness.
Reconstitution Calculator
100 units = 1 mL
Safety Tips
- Always consult a licensed medical professional for dosing and reconstitution instructions.
- Always double check your units. Mixing up mg and mcg can be very dangerous.
- Make sure to select your syringe type. U-100 and U-50 syringes have different units.
- Ensure you're not adding more BAC than your vial can hold. Most vials have maximum capacities listed.
This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, dosing recommendations, or safety determinations. Reference ranges shown are compiled from publicly available sources and are not a substitute for guidance from a licensed healthcare professional.
Legal Status by Region
Regulatory status varies by country. Information provided is for reference only and may change.
USA
illegal
UK
illegal
EU
illegal
Australia
illegal
Canada
illegal
Explore More Research
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Last updated: October 5, 2023