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