Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide based on 1$alpha$-MSH, primarily researched for its ability to stimulate melanin production (tanning).2 It also shows research potential in models related to appetite suppression, sexual function, and mood regulation.
$28.99
-
Official retailer
-
Quality guaranteed
-
Within 2 Days Delivery
-
99% Purified
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (ฮฑ-MSH), studied for its role in stimulating melanin production and influencing mood-related pathways. Originally developed for research into skin pigmentation, it has also shown potential in appetite suppression, sexual function, and mood regulation models.
โ Form: Lyophilized peptide
โ Purity: >99%
โ Origin: Manufactured and tested in the USA
โ Storage: Store at -20ยฐC dry; refrigerate after reconstitution
Melanotan II binds to melanocortin receptors (primarily MC1R and MC4R), which are involved in melanin synthesis and mood regulation. Activation of these receptors can stimulate pigmentation pathways and may influence appetite and arousal mechanisms in animal studies.
โ Melanin stimulation and pigmentation research
โ Neuroendocrine and mood regulation pathways
โ Appetite and energy homeostasis models
โ Strong binding to melanocortin receptors
โ Explores complex mood and pigmentation pathways
โ Central nervous system and dermatologic crossover potential
Each vial is:
โ Produced in a GMP-compliant U.S. facility
โ Verified via HPLC and mass spectrometry
โ Supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
โ Contents: 10mg Melanotan II lyophilized peptide per vial
โ Appearance: White to off-white powder
โ Solubility: Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
โ Stability: Stable for 30 days refrigerated post-reconstitution
*For laboratory research only. Not for human consumption.*
โ For research use only
โ Not for human or veterinary use
โ Buyer assumes all responsibility for appropriate handling
It primarily targets MC1R and MC4R, involved in pigmentation and central nervous signaling.
Yes, Melanotan II has been widely studied in preclinical models related to melanin production.
All batches exceed 99% purity and are tested via HPLC and mass spectrometry.
It remains stable for up to 30 days under refrigeration.
Melanotan II (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of ฮฑ-melanocyte-stimulating hormone studied for its ability to increase skin pigmentation and noted for inducing erectile activity as a side effect[1]. Early human trials identified effective daily doses in the range of 1โ2 mg for tanning, with conservative protocols starting lower to minimize side effects such as nausea and flushing[2][3]. This educational protocol presents a once-daily subcutaneous titration approach using practical dilution for clear insulin-syringe measurements.
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water โ 3.33 mg/mL concentration.
- Typical daily range: 250โ1000 mcg once daily (gradual titration over 8โ12 weeks).
- Easy measuring: At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL โ 33.3 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
- Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at โ20 ยฐC (โ4 ยฐF) or below; after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2โ8 ยฐC (35.6โ46.4 ยฐF); use within 1โ2 weeks.
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing
Standard / Gradual Titration (3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL)
| Week / Phase | Daily Dose | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 250 mcg (0.25 mg) | 7.5 units (0.075 mL) |
| Week 2 | 500 mcg (0.5 mg) | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Week 3 | 750 mcg (0.75 mg) | 22.5 units (0.225 mL) |
| Weeks 4โ8 | 1000 mcg (1 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Maintenance (after Week 8) | 500โ1000 mcg (1โ2ร weekly) | 15โ30 units (0.15โ0.30 mL) |
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously during the initial 8-week tanning phase; transition to 1โ2 injections per week for maintenance dosing to sustain pigmentation[3]. This schedule uses the standard 3.0 mL dilution for consistent unit measurements. For โค10-unit (โค0.10 mL) administrations, consider 30- or 50-unit insulin syringes for improved readability.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall to avoid foaming; do not shake vigorously.
- Gently roll or swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved.
- Label the vial with the reconstitution date and store refrigerated at 2โ8 ยฐC (35.6โ46.4 ยฐF), protected from light.
Supplies Needed
Plan based on an 8โ16 week daily protocol with gradual titration (including transition to maintenance dosing).
| Item | 8 Weeks | 12 Weeks | 16 Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peptide Vials (10 mg each) | โ 5 vials (~45โ50 mg total) |
โ 8 vials (~70โ75 mg total) |
โ 10 vials (~95โ100 mg total) |
| Insulin Syringes (U-100) (1 mL capacity) |
56 syringes (7/week) |
84 syringes (7/week) |
112 syringes (7/week) |
| Bacteriostatic Water (3.0 mL per vial) |
15 mL (2 ร 10 mL bottles) |
24 mL (3 ร 10 mL bottles) |
30 mL (3 ร 10 mL bottles) |
| Alcohol Swabs (2 per injection) |
112 swabs (2 ร 100-count boxes) |
168 swabs (2 ร 100-count boxes) |
224 swabs (3 ร 100-count boxes) |
Protocol Overview
Concise summary of the once-daily subcutaneous regimen.
- Goal: Increase skin pigmentation (tanning) through melanocortin receptor activation[1].
- Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 6โ8 weeks during loading phase, then maintenance dosing 1โ2ร weekly[3].
- Dose Range: 250โ1000 mcg daily with gradual titration to minimize side effects.
- Reconstitution: 3.0 mL per 10 mg vial (3.33 mg/mL) for accurate unit measurements.
- Storage: Lyophilized frozen at โ20 ยฐC (โ4 ยฐF); reconstituted refrigerated at 2โ8 ยฐC (35.6โ46.4 ยฐF); use within 1โ2 weeks[7].
Dosing Protocol
Suggested daily titration approach based on clinical research.
- Start: 200โ250 mcg daily; increase by 100โ250 mcg increments every 1โ2 weeks as tolerated[2].
- Target: 500โ1000 mcg daily by Weeks 4โ8 (studied effective range is 1โ2 mg/day)[1].
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous) during loading phase.
- Cycle Length: 6โ8 weeks for initial tanning, then switch to maintenance dosing.
- Maintenance: 500โ1000 mcg administered 1โ2ร per week to sustain pigmentation[3].
- Timing: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites to reduce irritation.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage preserves peptide stability and potency.
- Lyophilized: Store at โ20 ยฐC (โ4 ยฐF) or below in dry, dark conditions; keep desiccated to minimize moisture exposure[7].
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2โ8 ยฐC (35.6โ46.4 ยฐF); use within 1โ2 weeks with bacteriostatic water preservative[7].
- Avoid freezeโthaw: Do not refreeze reconstituted solution; prepare aliquots if longer storage needed.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.
- Protect from light; wrap vials in foil or store in opaque container.
Important Notes
Practical considerations for consistency and safety.
- Use new sterile insulin syringes for each injection; dispose in a sharps container immediately[9].
- Rotate injection sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation and scarring[10].
- Clean vial stopper and injection site with alcohol swabs before each use; allow to air dry[11].
- Inject slowly and steadily; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily dose, injection site, and any side effects to maintain consistency and track tolerance.
- Safety warning: Do not exceed 2 mg per day; case reports document serious systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis at mega-doses (6 mg)[4].
How This Works
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of ฮฑ-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that binds to melanocortin receptors, particularly MC1R and MC4R[1]. Activation of MC1R on melanocytes stimulates melanin production and distribution, resulting in increased skin pigmentation even without UV exposure[2]. Early Phase I studies in humans identified 0.025 mg/kg per day (approximately 1.5โ2 mg for an average adult) as an appropriate dose, with measurable tanning observed after just five low doses administered over two weeks[1]. The peptide's subcutaneous administration allows for steady melanocortin receptor activation, with effects accumulating over the course of daily injections during the initial tanning phase[3].
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Observations from clinical trials and case reports.
Potential Benefits
- Increases skin pigmentation (tanning) without UV exposure requirement[1][2].
- Tanning effects observable after 5โ10 daily injections in most individuals[1].
- May induce spontaneous erections in men as a noted side effect (MC4R activation)[3][5].
- Maintenance dosing (1โ2ร weekly) can sustain pigmentation after initial loading phase[3].
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (dose-dependent; most common at higher doses)[1][2].
- Facial flushing and increased skin warmth[3].
- Reduced appetite and mild fatigue[1].
- Spontaneous erections or increased libido in men[5].
- Injection site reactions (redness, mild stinging)[9].
Serious Risks & Warnings
- Not FDA-approved: Melanotan II is not an approved medication; use carries regulatory and safety risks[6].
- Dose-limiting toxicity: Severe sympathomimetic symptoms and rhabdomyolysis reported at 6 mg dose[4].
- Mole changes: May alter pigmentation of existing moles; theoretical melanoma concerns warrant caution[6].
- Cardiovascular effects: Transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure possible at higher doses[3].
Lifestyle Factors
Complementary strategies for safe and effective outcomes.
- UV exposure: Melanotan II increases melanin without UV, but some users combine with minimal UV exposure; always use appropriate sun protection to reduce skin cancer risk[6].
- Hydration: Maintain adequate fluid intake, especially if experiencing nausea or appetite suppression.
- Monitoring: Inspect moles and skin regularly for changes; seek dermatological evaluation if new or changing lesions appear[6].
- Dose discipline: Adhere strictly to conservative dosing protocols; never exceed 2 mg per day to avoid serious adverse effects[4].
Injection Technique
Subcutaneous injection guidance from clinical best-practice resources[9][11].
- Clean the vial stopper and injection site with alcohol swabs; allow both to air dry completely[11].
- Use a 1 mL insulin syringe (29โ31 gauge, ยฝ inch needle) for subcutaneous administration[9].
- Pinch a fold of skin approximately 1 inch thick at the injection site (abdomen preferred, at least 2 inches from navel)[10].
- Insert the needle at 45โ90ยฐ depending on body composition; release the pinch after needle insertion[10].
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily[11].
- Withdraw the needle at the same angle; apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if needed.
- Rotate sites systematically to avoid lipohypertrophy or scarring[10].
- Dispose of used syringes immediately in a proper sharps container; never reuse needles[9].
Recommended Source
We recommend Shop Peptides Direct for high-purity Melanotan II (10 mg).
Why Shop Peptides Direct?
- High-purity, third-party-tested lots with batch certificates of analysis (COAs).
- Consistent, ISO-aligned handling and quality documentation.
- Reliable fulfillment with proper cold-chain shipping to maintain peptide integrity.
- Transparent sourcing and quality control procedures for research-grade peptides.
Important Note
This content is intended for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Melanotan II is not an approved medication by the FDA or other regulatory agencies. Research use only; not for human consumption. Any use carries significant risks including potential serious adverse effects. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide research.
References
-
PubMed โ Dorr RT et al. (1996) โ Phase I clinical study of melanotan-II, evaluation of dosing and safety in healthy volunteers
-
International Peptide Society โ Melanotan II Monograph โ Comprehensive peptide monograph covering dosing protocols and titration guidance
-
DermNet NZ โ Melanotan II Information for Patients โ Clinical dermatology guidance on melanotan use, side effects, and maintenance dosing
-
PubMed โ Nelson ME et al. (2012) โ Case report: Melanotan II injection resulting in systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis
-
RxList โ Melanotan-II Uses, Side Effects and Dosing โ Medical database overview of melanotan-II pharmacology and clinical effects
-
Health Service Executive (HSE) Ireland โ Public health advice on the use of injecting tanning agents (melanotan)
-
Cell Sciences Inc. โ Product Data Sheet โ Melanotan-II storage and stability specifications for lyophilized and reconstituted forms
-
MedlinePlus โ Subcutaneous Injections โ U.S. National Library of Medicine patient instructions for subcutaneous injection technique
-
NCBI Bookshelf โ Administration of Parenteral Medications โ Comprehensive nursing guide for safe injection practices and sterile technique
-
CDC โ Vaccine Administration Guidelines โ Subcutaneous injection technique, site selection, and best practices from the CDC
-
NCBI Bookshelf โ Best Practices for Injection Safety โ Clinical guidelines for aseptic preparation and administration of injectable medications
RELATED PRODUCTS
GHK-Cu
View Certificate
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
GHRP-2
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.