Melanotan II (10mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Melanocortin agonist (tanning / arousal) — research/educational dosing reference.
Looking for results? See Melanotan II before and after — what the research actually shows (honest, research-based, no transformation photos).
Pre-filled with this protocol’s recommended BAC water and documented starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers. Reconstitution math only — not dosing advice. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL. Full reconstitution guide → · Advanced calculator →Mix & measure Melanotan II · 10 mg
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate once-daily dosing, step by step
Standard / Loading Approach (2 mL = 5 mg/mL)
Reconstitute: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → final concentration 5 mg/mL (5,000 mcg/mL).
Loading dose: Begin around 250 mcg/day (some start at 100 mcg) to assess tolerance, then titrate up over the loading phase as UVB exposure drives the tan.
Maintenance: After the tan is established, a maintenance dose of roughly 500–1000 mcg about 1× per week (or as needed) is used to sustain pigmentation.
Easy measuring: At 5 mg/mL, 1 unit = 50 mcg on a U-100 syringe (units = dose ÷ concentration). 250 mcg = 5 units, 500 mcg = 10 units, 1 mg = 20 units.
Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
Why Melanotan II draws research interest
These are the directions researchers and the peptide community most often explore Melanotan II for — so you know you’re in the right place. They describe what is being studied, not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Skin tanning / pigmentation
Studied as a melanocortin agonist that drives melanogenesis (melanin synthesis); investigational and not approved for cosmetic tanning.
Libido / sexual arousal
Investigated for effects on sexual arousal; the related analog bremelanotide (Vyleesi) is FDA-approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
Appetite / food intake
Explored in preclinical, animal-only research on melanocortin signaling and appetite suppression / reduced food intake.
UV photoprotection
Researched for UV photoprotection via melanin; the related peptide afamelanotide (Scenesse) is FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Evidence ranges from early laboratory work to clinical trials depending on the use — the sections below cover the actual data and sources.
Quickstart Highlights
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that activates melanocortin receptors — chiefly MC1R (driving melanin production and skin tanning) and MC4R (linked to sexual arousal and appetite effects)[1][2]. It is not approved by any major regulator — an unapproved new drug sold as a research chemical. This educational page outlines a once-daily subcutaneous loading approach in micrograms, with a dilution chosen so doses land on easy-to-read insulin-syringe marks. Presented for research and educational use only.
Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → 5 mg/mL (5,000 mcg/mL), giving clean unit math on a U-100 syringe.
~250 mcg/day to start (some begin at 100 mcg to assess tolerance), titrated up as UVB exposure drives the tan.
At 5 mg/mL, 1 unit = 50 mcg; 250 mcg = 5 units (0.05 mL), 500 mcg = 10 units, 1 mg = 20 units on a U-100 syringe.
Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the solution.
Important: Start with the Prep & Injection Guide — it covers the preparation and safety basics every protocol on this site assumes.
Frequency: one subcutaneous injection each day during the loading phase, titrating up as tolerated, then transitioning to a maintenance dose ~1× per week or as needed. UVB exposure is what actually drives the tan; the peptide increases the pigment response[3]. These figures come from reference protocols, not from approved human dosing.
Dose ceiling: do not exceed ~2 mg/day. Case reports describe serious systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis at mega-doses (around 6 mg)[4].
Reconstitution Steps
Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Release it slowly down the vial’s inner wall to limit foaming.
Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don’t shake.
Label with the date and concentration, then refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), shielded from light.
At 5 mg/mL, low loading doses read at just 5–10 units; a 30- or 50-unit insulin syringe can make these small volumes easier to read. Avoid freezing the reconstituted solution, since freeze–thaw can denature the peptide.
Supplies Needed
Quantities below assume an 8–16 week course: a daily loading phase followed by weekly maintenance.
A 10 mg vial covers roughly two weeks of loading at the ~1 mg/day plateau, then several weekly maintenance doses.
- 8 weeks: ~5 vials
- 12 weeks: ~8 vials
- 16 weeks: ~10 vials
- Per injection: 1 syringe
- 8 weeks (loading daily): ~56 syringes
- 16 weeks (loading daily): ~112 syringes
Use 2.0 mL per 10 mg vial for reconstitution.
- 8 weeks (5 vials): ~10 mL → 1–2 bottles
- 16 weeks (10 vials): ~20 mL → 2 bottles
One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- Per injection: 2 swabs
- 8 weeks (loading daily): ~112 swabs → 1–2 boxes
Protocol Overview
A concise summary of the once-daily loading regimen, drawn from commonly cited reference protocols.
- ▪Goal: Increase skin pigmentation (tanning) via melanocortin (MC1R) receptor activation; MC4R activity also drives arousal and appetite effects[1].
- ▪Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for a 6–8 week loading phase, then maintenance dosing about 1× weekly (or as needed)[3].
- ▪Dose Range: ~250–1000 mcg per day during loading, titrated gradually to minimize side effects; do not exceed 2 mg/day.
- ▪Reconstitution: 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial gives 5 mg/mL for clean unit measurements.
- ▪Storage: Keep the dry vial frozen at −20 °C (−4 °F); once mixed, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and do not freeze the solution.
Dosing Protocol
A suggested daily titration approach based on common reference doses.
- ▪Start: Begin at ~250 mcg once daily (some start at 100 mcg) to gauge tolerability for nausea and flushing.
- ▪Titrate: Increase by roughly 100–250 mcg every 1–2 weeks as tolerated.
- ▪Target: Reach about 500–1000 mcg daily by Weeks 4–8; UVB exposure drives the tan.
- ▪Maintenance: After loading, ~500–1000 mcg about 1× per week (or as needed) sustains pigmentation.
- ▪Timing: Inject at a consistent time and rotate injection sites systematically.
Storage Instructions
Correct storage is what preserves the peptide’s stability and activity.
- ▪Lyophilized: Hold the dry vial at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions and limit moisture exposure[7].
- ▪Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 1–2 weeks; do not freeze the mixed solution, as freezing can denature peptides[8].
- ▪Handling: Let frozen vials warm to room temperature before opening so condensation won’t form, and keep the solution clear of heat and direct light.
- ▪Freeze–thaw: Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles; prepare aliquots if longer storage is needed.
Important Notes
Practical points that keep administration safe and consistent.
- ▪Sterile technique: Use a fresh sterile U-100 insulin syringe each time and drop it straight into a puncture-proof sharps container afterward.
- ▪Site rotation: Move between abdomen, thighs and upper arms to reduce local irritation and lipohypertrophy[9].
- ▪Mole monitoring: Melanotan II can darken existing moles and freckles and prompt new pigmented spots; inspect skin regularly and seek dermatological review of any new or changing lesion — there are concerns about melanoma[6].
- ▪Dose discipline: Never exceed 2 mg/day; serious systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis have been reported at mega-doses (~6 mg)[4].
- ▪Regulatory note: Melanotan II is not approved by any major regulator — an unapproved new drug sold as a research chemical, not a medicine[6].
How This Works
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that binds and activates melanocortin receptors, particularly MC1R and MC4R[1].
Activation of MC1R on melanocytes stimulates melanin production and distribution, producing increased skin pigmentation. Activation of MC4R in the central nervous system is associated with the drug’s reported sexual-arousal and appetite-suppressing effects[2].
Early human work identified daily doses in the range of roughly 1–2 mg as producing measurable tanning, with conservative protocols starting much lower to limit nausea and flushing[1][2]. Pigmentation accumulates over the loading phase, and UVB exposure is the actual driver of the tan — the peptide amplifies the pigment response[3].
Important caveat: Melanotan II is not an approved medicine in any major jurisdiction. It is an unapproved new drug sold as a research chemical, presented here for research and educational purposes only. Because of its MC1R / pigment effects, there are specific concerns about the darkening of moles and the need to monitor for melanoma.
Lifestyle Factors
Habits that influence outcomes and safety alongside the protocol.
- ▪UV exposure: Melanotan II increases melanin, but UVB is what drives the tan; always use appropriate sun protection to reduce skin-cancer risk[6].
- ▪Hydration: Maintain adequate fluid intake, especially if experiencing nausea or appetite suppression.
- ▪Skin monitoring: Inspect moles and freckles regularly; seek dermatological evaluation if any new or changing pigmented lesions appear[6].
- ▪Dose discipline: Adhere strictly to conservative dosing; never exceed 2 mg/day to avoid serious adverse effects[4].
Potential Effects & Side Effects
Observations from early clinical trials and case reports; human evidence is limited and individual results vary.
Reported Effects
- ▪Increased pigmentation: Skin tanning via MC1R activation, typically observable after 5–10 daily injections[1].
- ▪Sexual arousal: MC4R activation can induce spontaneous erections / increased libido in men[5].
- ▪Appetite suppression: Reduced appetite is commonly reported, also an MC4R-mediated effect.
- ▪Note on approval: These effects come from unapproved use — Melanotan II is not approved by any major regulator.
Side Effects & Serious Risks
- ▪Nausea & flushing: Dose-dependent nausea and facial flushing are the most common short-term effects[2].
- ▪Mole / freckle darkening: Existing moles and freckles can darken and new pigmented spots can appear; theoretical melanoma concerns warrant skin monitoring[6].
- ▪Dose-limiting toxicity: Severe sympathomimetic symptoms and rhabdomyolysis reported at a 6 mg dose[4].
- ▪Unapproved status: Not approved by any major regulator; long-term safety in humans is not established.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous technique, following established clinical best-practice guidance[14].
Pre-Injection Preparation
- ▪Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- ▪Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry.
- ▪Choose a site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) and clean it with a fresh alcohol swab, letting it dry fully.
- ▪Draw the intended dose, then check for air bubbles and push any out.
Injection Procedure
- ▪Pinch a skinfold at the chosen site between thumb and forefinger.
- ▪Insert the needle into the pinch at a 45–90-degree angle (use 45 degrees if the fat layer is thin)[14].
- ▪Skip aspiration for subcutaneous shots — it isn’t needed[14].
- ▪Press the plunger slowly and steadily until it’s fully down.
- ▪Wait 5–10 seconds, then pull the needle straight out to prevent leakage.
Post-Injection Care
- ▪Drop the used syringe straight into a puncture-proof sharps container — never recap a needle.
- ▪Return the reconstituted vial to the fridge right away.
- ▪Rotate the injection site each day to prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy[9].
- ▪Watch the site for excess redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
Recommended Source
For high-purity research peptides, we point researchers to Prime Lab Peptides for Melanotan II (10 mg).
Why Prime Lab Peptides?
- ▪Top-rated on Trustpilot: Independently reviewed as the highest-rated peptide lab on Trustpilot — making it the best current source in the USA.
- ▪Third-party tested: Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity and composition.
- ▪Consistent quality: ISO-aligned manufacturing and handling keep product integrity reliable batch to batch.
- ▪Cold-chain integrity: Temperature-controlled shipping and storage across the whole fulfilment chain.
- ▪Research-grade purity: Fit for educational and research use that demands high-quality peptides.
Note: Product availability and specifications subject to change. Verify current product details on supplier website.
References
- 1
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (PubMed)Phase I evaluation of Melanotan II, an α-MSH analog, for tanning and melanocortin receptor activation.
- 2
Peptides (PubMed)Melanotan II dose-finding and tolerability: tanning response with nausea and flushing at higher doses.
- 3
British Journal of Dermatology (PubMed)Afamelanotide / melanocortin analogs and UV-driven photoprotection and pigmentation.
- 4
Clinical Toxicology / Case Reports (PubMed)Rhabdomyolysis and severe sympathomimetic toxicity following a high (~6 mg) Melanotan II dose.
- 5
International Journal of Impotence Research (PubMed)Melanocortin (MC4R) agonism and erectile / sexual-arousal effects of Melanotan II.
- 6
U.S. Food & Drug AdministrationConsumer warning: Melanotan II is an unapproved drug; concerns over mole changes and melanoma risk.
- 7
Peptide Storage GuideBest practices for storing lyophilized peptides (temperature, humidity and light protection).
- 8
Bacteriostatic Water GuidanceBacteriostatic water for injection: multi-dose vial stability and handling.
- 9
NCBI BookshelfBest practices for subcutaneous injection: aseptic technique and site rotation.
- 10
Injection Site Rotation (Patient Education)Guidance on rotating subcutaneous injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy and irritation.
- 11
- 14
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Subcutaneous injection technique: angle, site and no-aspiration guidance.
- 15
Subcutaneous Injection Technique (Patient Education)How to administer a subcutaneous injection: clinical technique guidelines.
- 16
Prime Lab PeptidesMelanotan II (10 mg) product page — purity specifications and certificates of analysis.
Melanotan II — frequently asked questions
How do I reconstitute a 10 mg vial of Melanotan II?
Wipe the stopper with an alcohol swab, then inject your bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial. Let it sit and gently swirl until dissolved — never shake. Store the mixed vial in the refrigerator and draw doses with an insulin syringe. Use the calculator above to turn any dose into syringe units.
How much bacteriostatic water should I add to Melanotan II?
There is no single correct amount — more water simply spreads the same 10 mg of peptide across a larger volume, which makes small doses easier to measure accurately. 1 to 3 mL per vial is typical. Enter your chosen volume in the calculator above to see the resulting concentration and syringe units.
What do the "units" on an insulin syringe mean?
On a U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units equal 1 mL, so 1 unit equals 0.01 mL. The calculator above converts your draw volume into these units automatically so you can measure without doing the math by hand.
How should I store Melanotan II after mixing?
Keep the reconstituted vial refrigerated at roughly 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, away from light, and avoid freezing it. Reconstituted research peptides are generally used within a few weeks. Always follow the specific guidance supplied with your product.
How many doses does a 10 mg vial of Melanotan II provide?
Divide the vial strength of 10 mg by the amount you use per injection. The calculator above reports this as "doses per vial" the moment you enter a dose.
Is Melanotan II approved for human use?
No. Melanotan II is sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes and is not approved by the FDA or other regulators for human use. Everything on this page is research information, not medical advice — consult a licensed healthcare professional before any use.
New protocols & dosing updates
Reconstitution charts, new peptide protocols and safety updates — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.