Melanotan II: pilot-study regimen
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Human schedule
Melanotan II is given by subcutaneous injection (typically into the abdominal fat pad). The figures below are a generalized reference drawn from early clinical studies and described protocols.
This is a concise reference to regimens described for adults; it is not an individual prescription.
Melanotan II dosing in the literature is described in two phases: a loading period with a smaller daily dose, then a drop in injection frequency to a maintenance level once the desired pigmentation effect has been reached.
| Period / condition | Dose | Escalation |
|---|---|---|
| Loading period (2–3 weeks) | 0.25–0.5 mg per day | Starting dose (often begun at 0.25 mg) |
| Maintenance period | 0.5–1 mg, 1–2x weekly | Increase if needed |
| Upper limit | up to 2 mg per day | Maximum in this schedule |
Practical dosing and effect details
Melanotan II's dose-dependent effect was documented in a pilot clinical study by Dorr and colleagues (Life Sciences, 1996): three male volunteers received subcutaneous injections on weekdays (Mon-Fri) over two weeks, starting at 0.01 mg/kg per day and stepping the dose up by 0.005 mg/kg to 0.025-0.03 mg/kg. The researchers recorded dose-dependent skin darkening alongside dose-limiting side effects: nausea, flushing, and spontaneous erections in men. That relationship explains why the schedule on this page (0.25-0.5 mg per day during loading, 0.5-1 mg 1-2x weekly for maintenance) starts small and rises gradually: the goal is to find the lowest dose with the desired effect and the fewest side effects, rather than jumping straight to the upper limit. This is reference information for planning a research protocol, not a medical recommendation and not instructions for self-administration.
This reference is research-use material. The information is not medical advice and is not intended for diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease.