Melanotan II: Dosage & Administration

Melanotan II research typically uses a loading/maintenance protocol. Important: Melanotan II is not FDA-approved and health authorities have issued warnings about its use.

Phase	Dose	Frequency	Duration
Loading	0.25–0.5 mg	Once daily	2–4 weeks
Maintenance	0.5–1.0 mg	1–2× weekly	As needed

Research protocols often start with low doses (0.25 mg) to assess tolerance, as nausea is common. Doses are gradually increased based on response and side effect tolerance. UV exposure during the loading phase is used in tanning research to activate melanocytes in conjunction with the peptide.

Melanotan II typically comes in 10mg lyophilized vials:

• 10mg vial + 2mL BAC water = 5mg/mL — draw 0.1mL for 0.5mg
• 10mg vial + 1mL BAC water = 10mg/mL — draw 0.05mL for 0.5mg (very small volume)

Use the peptide calculator for precise volumes. See the reconstitution guide for preparation.

Melanotan II timing considerations:

• Evening dosing: Many protocols administer before bed to minimize the impact of nausea and flushing
• UV exposure: Tanning research protocols include UV exposure (sun or tanning bed) during the loading phase to activate melanocytes
• Loading duration: 2–4 weeks typically, until desired pigmentation is achieved
• Maintenance: Once desired tan is achieved, reduced frequency (weekly or biweekly) maintains pigmentation

Standard peptide storage:

• Lyophilized: -20°C long-term, 2–8°C for months
• Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8°C, use within 28 days

See the peptide storage guide.