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Melanotan Dosage Guide: MT-I and MT-II Dosing, Reconstitution & Protocol (2026)

Published March 10, 2026Updated September 6, 2026
Quick Brief

Complete Melanotan dosage guide — how to dose MT-I vs MT-II, loading and maintenance phases, reconstitution, how many vials you need, and UV exposure requirements.

Melanotan Dosage Guide: MT-I and MT-II Dosing, Reconstitution & Protocol (2026)
Melanotan II (10MG)

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Quick summary: Melanotan II doses start low at 0.25mg to assess tolerance, then typically range 0.5–1mg per injection. Melanotan I uses a different (lower mg/kg) dosing approach. Both are subcutaneous injections. Tanning sessions should be used alongside for melanin activation.

Melanotan II Dosage

Phase
Dose
Frequency
Notes
First dose (tolerance test)
0.25mg
Once, evening
Assess nausea, flushing response before increasing
Loading phase
0.5mg
Daily
Continue until desired tan depth; expose skin to UV
Maintenance
0.5–1mg
2–3x/week
Maintain color with minimal UV exposure needed
First dose (tolerance test)
Dose
0.25mg
Frequency
Once, evening
Notes
Assess nausea, flushing response before increasing
Loading phase
Dose
0.5mg
Frequency
Daily
Notes
Continue until desired tan depth; expose skin to UV
Maintenance
Dose
0.5–1mg
Frequency
2–3x/week
Notes
Maintain color with minimal UV exposure needed

Melanotan I vs. Melanotan II Dosing

Melanotan I (afamelanotide): Dosed at 16–20mg total for a loading implant (clinical dose), or 0.5–1mg/day subcutaneous in research protocols. MT-I is more selective for MC1R — fewer systemic side effects but slower tanning response.

Melanotan II: More potent, faster-acting, lower doses required. Binds multiple melanocortin receptors — responsible for both the stronger tan and the additional sexual side effects (spontaneous erections in men, increased libido).

Reconstitution

  • Add 2mL bacteriostatic water to 10mg vial = 5,000 mcg/mL (5mg/mL)
  • For 0.5mg dose: draw 0.1mL (10 units on insulin syringe)
  • For 1mg dose: draw 0.2mL (20 units)
  • Refrigerate after reconstitution — use within 4 weeks
  • Protect from light — the peptide is light-sensitive

How Many Vials Do You Need?

  • At 0.5mg/day for 4 weeks (loading): 14mg total — 2 × 10mg vials
  • Maintenance at 1mg 3x/week: ~4mg/week — one 10mg vial lasts ~2.5 weeks

Important: UV Exposure Required

Melanotan stimulates melanin production, but melanin synthesis requires UV light to complete. Without UV exposure, the peptide alone produces minimal tanning effect. Most users combine Melanotan with brief tanning sessions (5–15 min UV exposure) to activate the melanin pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in the sun while using Melanotan?
Yes — UV exposure is required to complete the tanning process. Melanotan increases your skin's sensitivity to UV and primes the melanin pathway, but UV light triggers the actual pigmentation response.
How long does the tan last after stopping Melanotan?
The tan typically fades gradually over 4–8 weeks without continued dosing and UV maintenance. Many users switch to a low maintenance dose (1–2x/week) after reaching their desired color.
Why do I get an erection from Melanotan II?
Melanotan II binds MC4R, a receptor involved in sexual arousal pathways. Spontaneous or prolonged erections are a documented side effect and are one of the key differences from Melanotan I, which is more selective and doesn't have this effect as strongly.
Can women use Melanotan II?
Yes. Women use Melanotan II without the erection side effect, though increased libido is reported. Nausea sensitivity varies — some women report stronger nausea than men at equivalent doses.
What's the difference between Melanotan I and Melanotan II for tanning?
Melanotan I is more selective (MC1R only), slower-acting, and has fewer systemic side effects — but the tan develops more gradually. Melanotan II is faster and more potent but has more side effects (nausea, libido changes, spontaneous erections in men).

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All peptides mentioned are research compounds not approved by the FDA for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol. PeptideDeck may earn a commission from affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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