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Melanotan II
Released: Last reviewed:
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone studied for skin tanning and sexual arousal. Significant side-effect profile including nausea, hyperpigmentation, and rare melanoma risk.
Melanotan II at a glance
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone studied for skin tanning and sexual arousal. Significant side-effect profile including nausea, hyperpigmentation, and rare melanoma risk. Mechanism: Melanocortin receptor agonist (non-selective). Typical route: Subcutaneous. FDA status: Not FDA-approved. Sold primarily as a 'research chemical' not intended for human consumption. Some peptide compounding pharmacies dispense it; most regulatory bodies discourage use given the side-effe
Drug classMelanocortin receptor agonist (non-selective)
Half-life~33 hours
RouteSubcutaneous
Common dosing0.25-1 mg per dose
FDA statusNot approved
Available throughResearch suppliers; some compounding
Mechanism of action
Melanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, activating MC1R (melanin synthesis in skin), MC3R, MC4R (appetite suppression, sexual arousal), and MC5R. Sexual arousal effects are mediated through MC4R in the hypothalamus, the same mechanism that makes PT-141 (a selective MC3R/MC4R agonist) effective for libido.
Dosing reference
Subcutaneous loading: 0.25-0.5 mg daily for 1-2 weeks until desired tan develops. Maintenance: 0.25-0.5 mg, one to three times per week. Sexual arousal dosing: 0.5-1 mg taken 30-60 minutes before intimacy.
Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients should not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.
FDA status & regulatory framework
Not FDA-approved. Sold primarily as a 'research chemical' not intended for human consumption. Some peptide compounding pharmacies dispense it; most regulatory bodies discourage use given the side-effect profile.
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Frequently asked questions about Melanotan II
Is Melanotan II safe?
Side effects are common and include nausea, facial flushing, increased pigmentation of moles and freckles, and gastrointestinal upset. Case reports describe rare melanoma developing in chronic users. Most clinicians discourage non-medical use given the side-effect profile.
How does Melanotan II compare to PT-141?
Melanotan II activates all melanocortin receptors broadly. PT-141 (bremelanotide) selectively activates MC3R and MC4R, retaining the sexual-arousal effect but avoiding the skin-pigmenting MC1R action and reducing systemic side effects. PT-141 is FDA-approved (Vyleesi); Melanotan II is not.
References
- Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study. J Urol. 1998;160(2):389-393. PMID: 9679884
- α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced eruptive nevi. Arch Dermatol. 2009;145(4):441-444. PMID: 19380667
- Melanotropic peptides: more than just 'Barbie drugs' and 'sun-tan jabs'? Br J Dermatol. 2010;163(3):451-455. PMID: 20545686
Sources are peer-reviewed where available. PubMed (PMID) links resolve to NCBI's PubMed database. FDA links resolve to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Citations were last verified 2026-05-11.