Melanotan II
MT-2 / MT2
Melanotan II is an unapproved synthetic melanocortin agonist that darkens skin (MC1R) and increases sexual arousal (MC4R). It is not FDA-approved for any use. Case reports link it to new or changing moles, melanoma, priapism, rhabdomyolysis, kidney infarction and PRES, a brain-swelling syndrome.
Half-life
~1 hour
Typical Dose
0.25–0.5 mg per dose
0.3/0.5Route
subcutaneous
Category
sexual_health
Evidence Overview
Strength of evidence across clinical, expert, and experimental lanes.
How Melanotan II is dosed in practice
Usually taken by subcutaneous (SubQ) injection. Typical range: 0.25–0.5 mg per dose. Half-life: ~1 hour. Each card gives the dose, frequency and duration from one evidence lane: Clinical (human trials), Expert (practitioner protocols) or Experimental (early or animal data). These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Work out the units to draw with the reconstitution calculator, how long a vial lasts with the vial duration calculator, and how levels fall between doses with the half-life calculator.
Loading protocol of 0.25 mg daily for 7–10 days, then maintenance 0.5 mg 1–2x/week with sun exposure. Nausea common at first — start low. Sexual side effects dose-dependent. Requires dermatological monitoring for mole changes.
- Peptide community tanning protocols
- Aesthetic medicine practitioner guidelines
- Dermatology safety monitoring recommendations
Widely used in fitness and aesthetics communities despite lack of regulatory approval. Users report dramatic tanning with minimal UV, enhanced libido, and appetite suppression. Published case reports describe melanoma, priapism, rhabdomyolysis, kidney infarction and PRES in users; case reports cannot prove cause, and long-term risk is unknown.
- Community self-reports
- Published case reports
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Safety & Contraindications
- History of melanoma or atypical moles
- Moles/nevi requiring monitoring (may darken and obscure changes)
- Autoimmune skin conditions
- Cardiovascular disease
- History of priapism
- History of rhabdomyolysis or kidney disease
Melanotan II: common questions
What is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II is an unapproved synthetic melanocortin agonist that darkens skin (MC1R) and increases sexual arousal (MC4R). It is not FDA-approved for any use. Case reports link it to new or changing moles, melanoma, priapism, rhabdomyolysis, kidney infarction and PRES, a brain-swelling syndrome.
How is Melanotan II dosed?
Melanotan II is usually taken by subcutaneous (SubQ) injection. Typical range in DoseCraft's library: 0.25–0.5 mg per dose. Expert (practitioner protocols): 0.25–0.5 mg per dose; Daily loading → 1–2x/week maintenance; Loading 7–10 days, then seasonal use. Experimental (early or animal data): 0.5–1 mg per dose; 2–3x per week; Seasonal cycles (spring–summer). These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Is Melanotan II FDA-approved?
No. Melanotan II is not FDA-approved, and DoseCraft's library flags it for caution.
What is the half-life of Melanotan II?
DoseCraft's library lists a half-life of ~1 hour. Half-life sets how often a compound is dosed and how long it takes to clear: about five half-lives.
Who should not use Melanotan II?
Listed contraindications: History of melanoma or atypical moles; Moles/nevi requiring monitoring (may darken and obscure changes); Autoimmune skin conditions; Cardiovascular disease; History of priapism; History of rhabdomyolysis or kidney disease.
Free Guides for Melanotan II
Information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide regimen.
Page updated . How we grade evidence: methodology.