Promotes tanning, libido, and appetite suppression via melanocortin receptors.
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analog of ฮฑ-MSH that activates multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1RโMC5R). It strongly promotes eumelanin production (tanning), increases libido and spontaneous erections, and suppresses appetite. Not FDA-approved โ used as a research compound. Significant side effects exist and caution is warranted.
Mechanism: MT-II activates MC1R (melanin production, tanning), MC3R and MC4R (appetite suppression, sexual function, energy balance), and MC5R (exocrine gland function). The broad receptor activation produces its multiple simultaneous effects.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading (first week) | 0.25 mg | Daily | Start very low to assess tolerance |
| Loading (after tolerance) | 0.5โ1 mg | Daily | Increase slowly |
| Maintenance | 0.5 mg | Every 2โ3 days | Once tanned |
| Maximum | 1 mg | As needed | Do not exceed |
Always start at 0.25 mg to assess tolerance โ flushing, nausea, and facial redness are common at higher doses. Inject ~30โ60 minutes before intended sun exposure for tanning. UV exposure still required for melanin activation (MT-II triggers melanocyte readiness; UV triggers actual melanin deposition). Once desired tan is achieved, frequency can be reduced to maintenance.