⭐Popular

Melanotan II

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

AestheticsSexual HealthSkin Health
Not FDA Approved

Primary recreational 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.

Primary Benefits

Promotes rapid skin tanning. Enhances sexual function. Appetite suppression.

How It Works

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

Precautions reported in community discussions and literature. This is not a complete list.

  • 1.DON'T start with a high dose - begin with the lowest effective dose to assess tolerance.
  • 2.DON'T use if you have a history of melanoma or skin cancer.
  • 3.DON'T inject within 2 hours of eating to minimize nausea.
  • 4.NEVER use without proper sterile technique to avoid infection.
  • 5.AVOID use if you have high blood pressure due to potential increases post-injection.
  • 6.DON'T store reconstituted solutions in direct light - they are light-sensitive.
  • 7.DON'T mix with PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis without medical advice.
  • 8.DON'T administer more frequently than recommended; follow the advised protocols.

Who Should NOT Use

  • History of melanoma
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Known allergy to MT-II

Use Contexts

Different purposes have different protocols, dosing, and considerations

⚡Recreational

UV-Free Tanning

limited evidence

Used 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.

Reported Range
0.25-1 mg
Reported Frequency
once daily
Reported Cycle
2-4 weeks
Reported Route
Subcutaneous

Timing: Evening or before sun exposure

Notes: Begin with a low dose to assess tolerance.

Community-Reported Protocols

Not recommendations: 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 GoalReported DoseReported FrequencyReported Route
Initial tanning0.25mgDailySubcutaneous injection
Maintenance0.5-1mg2-3x weeklySubcutaneous injection

Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life
1 hr
Time to Peak
30 min
Clearance
~5 hrs

Reported Side Effects

This is not a complete list. Other side effects may occur.

Common
Nauseacommon (1-10%)
Facial flushingcommon (1-10%)
Serious / Rare
  • Priapism
  • Increased melanoma risk
Injection-Specific Warnings
  • Avoid injection site reactions through site rotation.

Storage

Temperature
2-8°C
Reconstituted
Refrigerate and protect from light
Shelf Life
30 days
Light Sensitive
Yes - protect from light
⚡Recreational

Sexual Enhancement

limited evidence

Utilized 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.

Reported Range
0.5-1 mg
Reported Frequency
as needed
Reported Cycle
2-4 weeks
Reported Route
Subcutaneous

Timing: 2-4 hours before activity

Notes: May be more effective if taken on an empty stomach.

Community-Reported Protocols

Not recommendations: 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 GoalReported DoseReported FrequencyReported Route
Sexual Enhancement0.5-1mgAs neededSubcutaneous injection

Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life
1 hr
Time to Peak
30 min
Clearance
~5 hrs

Reported Side Effects

This is not a complete list. Other side effects may occur.

Common
Spontaneous erectionscommon (1-10%)
Nauseacommon (1-10%)
Serious / Rare
  • Priapism
  • Increased blood pressure
Injection-Specific Warnings
  • Priapism can result if not dosed carefully.

Storage

Temperature
2-8°C
Reconstituted
Refrigerate and protect from light
Shelf Life
30 days
Light Sensitive
Yes - protect from light

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

Common questions about Melanotan II

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

recreational

PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

Both enhance sexual arousal through similar pathways.

recreational

BPC-157

May help mitigate some adverse effects due to its healing properties.

recreational

Arginine

Can support nitric oxide production, enhancing erectile function.

Reported Interactions

Interactions reported in literature and community discussions.

Cialis/Viagramajor

Combining with PDE5 inhibitors can increase the risk of priapism.

Blood pressure medsmoderate

May cause temporary increases in blood pressure, monitor closely.

Alcoholmoderate

Can exacerbate side effects like nausea and flushing.

Antihistaminesmoderate

May reduce the histamine-related side effects.

Caffeineminor

Generally safe but may increase jitteriness.

Reconstitution Calculator

mL
U100 insulin syringe01020304050607080901001mL

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.

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Citations

Last updated: October 5, 2023

Important Disclaimer

AI-Generated Content Notice

The information on this page has been compiled using artificial intelligence (AI) and large language model (LLM) technology from multiple sources including published literature, online communities, and public databases. This content may contain errors, inaccuracies, outdated information, or omissions. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. You are solely responsible for independently verifying any information before relying on it.

Not Medical Advice

Nothing on this website constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. The information provided is for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. We do not provide individualized dosing guidance or treatment recommendations. Protocols and dosing information shown represent reports from community discussions and published literature—they are not endorsements or recommendations. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

No Endorsement of Use

Pepbase does not endorse, encourage, or recommend the use of any peptide or substance discussed on this website. Many compounds discussed are not approved for human use by the FDA or other regulatory agencies. Some substances may be illegal to possess, sell, or use in your jurisdiction. We do not facilitate or encourage the procurement, distribution, or use of controlled or prescription-only substances. Users are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws in their jurisdiction.

Calculators and Tools

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