Melanotan II: pilot-study regimen
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Calculate the Melanotan II dose
The calculator is already set up for Melanotan II — adjust the dose or diluent volume for your vial.
Human dosing
| 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.
How to reconstitute
An example reconstitution for convenient dosing. The exact ratios depend on your vial. For research reference only — not medical guidance.
- 1Add the diluentUse bacteriostatic water. Example: 2 ml into a 10 mg vial.Melanotan II10 mg+ 2 mlDiluent
- 2Get the concentrationExample: 10 mg in 2 ml =Melanotan II5 mg/ml(5,000 mcg/ml)
- 3Work out the volume per doseFor example, for a 0.25 mg dose:0.25 mg = 0.05 ml= 5 u. (U-100)
This is only an example calculation. You can use a different diluent volume — plug your own numbers into the calculator. Open calculator →
Research protocols
Melanotan II: reference regimens
Melanotan II is given by subcutaneous injection (typically into the abdominal fat pad).
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.
More scientific background in the Melanotan II monograph
Notes and safety
- • Melanotan II is a research peptide. Human safety and efficacy data are limited.
- • The regimens shown are based on publications and research protocols, not clinical recommendations.
- • Individual reactions may vary. Published protocols typically start dosing at the lower end of the reported range.
- • Not recommended for use with chronic illness, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- • This information is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.
Melanotan II