Primus Anabolics

Melanotan II

The synthetic tanning peptide

Melanotan II
06 Apr 2026

Quickstart – key points

Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, studied for its ability to increase skin pigmentation and known for inducing erectile activity as a side effect.

Early human trials identified effective doses in the 1–2 mg daily range for tanning, with conservative protocols starting lower to minimize side effects such as nausea and flushing. This educational protocol presents a daily subcutaneous titration approach with a practical dilution to facilitate measurement with an insulin syringe.

  • Reconstitution: Add 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water → 3.33 mg/mL concentration.
  • Typical daily range: 250–1000 mcg once daily (gradual titration over 8–12 weeks).
  • Easy measurement: At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 33.3 mcg on a U-100 syringe.
  • Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C or below; after reconstitution, refrigerate between 2–8 °C; use within 1–2 weeks.

Dosage and Reconstitution Guide

Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing.

Standard / gradual titration (3 mL = 3.33 mg/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) evaluate if further increase is needed
  • Weeks 4–8: 1000 mcg (1 mg) → 30 units (0.30 mL)

Maintenance (after week 8): 500–1000 mcg (1–2 times per week) → 15–30 units (0.15–0.30 mL)

Frequency: one daily subcutaneous injection during the initial 8-week phase; then switch to 1–2 injections per week to maintain pigmentation. This scheme uses the standard dilution of 3.0 mL for consistent measurements. For doses ≤10 units, consider 30 or 50-unit syringes.

Reconstitution Steps

  1. Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
  2. Inject slowly down the side of the vial to avoid foaming; do not shake hard
  3. Mix gently until completely dissolved
  4. Label with the date and keep refrigerated between 2–8 °C, protected from light

Important: this guide is educational only and is not medical advice. Melanotan II is not an approved medication. For research use only.

Required Supplies

Peptide vials (Melanotan II, 10 mg each):

  • 8 weeks ≈ 5 vials
  • 12 weeks ≈ 8 vials
  • 16 weeks ≈ 10 vials

Bacteriostatic water (10 mL):

  • 8 weeks: 15 mL → 2 bottles
  • 12 weeks: 24 mL → 3 bottles
  • 16 weeks: 30 mL → 3 bottles

Protocol Summary

  • Objective: increase skin pigmentation (tanning) through activation of melanocortin receptors.
  • Duration: 6–8 weeks initial phase, then maintenance.
  • Dose: 250–1000 mcg daily with progressive increase.
  • Reconstitution: 3 mL per 10 mg vial.
  • Storage: frozen if lyophilized; refrigerated after reconstitution; use within 1–2 weeks.

Dosing Protocol

  • Start: 200–250 mcg daily
  • Increase: +100–250 mcg every 1–2 weeks based on tolerance
  • Goal: 500–1000 mcg daily in weeks 4–8
  • Frequency: 1 time per day in initial phase
  • Duration: 6–8 weeks
  • Maintenance: 500–1000 mcg, 1–2 times per week
  • Schedule: any fixed time, rotating zones

Storage

  • Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within 1–2 weeks
  • Let the vial reach room temperature before opening

Important Notes

  • Use a new syringe for each injection
  • Rotate injection sites
  • Clean with alcohol before use
  • Inject slowly
  • Record dose and effects

Warning: do not exceed 2 mg per day; serious effects have been reported at very high doses.

How it works

Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide that binds to melanocortin receptors, especially MC1R and MC4R. Activation of MC1R stimulates melanin production, increasing pigmentation even without UV exposure. Initial studies showed that low doses already produced tanning after several administrations.

Potential Benefits and Side Effects

Benefits:

  • Increases tanning without the need for sun
  • Visible results after several injections
  • Can cause spontaneous erections in men

Common Side Effects:

  • Nausea
  • Facial flushing
  • Feeling of warmth
  • Decreased appetite
  • Mild fatigue
  • Spontaneous erections
  • Injection site irritation

Important Risks:

  • Not approved as a drug
  • Risk of toxicity at high doses
  • Possible changes in moles
  • Possible cardiovascular effects

Lifestyle Factors

  • Sun protection even if used
  • Maintain good hydration
  • Monitor skin changes
  • Adhere to low doses

Injection Technique

  • Clean vial and skin with alcohol
  • Use insulin syringe
  • Pinch the skin
  • Insert the needle at 45–90°
  • Inject slowly
  • Withdraw and press gently
  • Rotate sites
  • Do not reuse needles