Melanotan 2 Dosing: How Much to Take & When (2026)

Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic analog of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that stimulates melanin production, leading to skin darkening with minimal UV exposure. It was developed in the 1980s at the University of Arizona as a potential sunless tanning agent.

Limited clinical data exists — primarily from Phase II trials for sexual dysfunction, not tanning. Most tanning protocols are based on underground research and community experience spanning over two decades.

This is not medical advice. MT-2 has no FDA approval for any indication and carries significant side effects requiring careful management.

Quick Reference: Community Dosing

Most people start at 100-250 mcg during loading to assess nausea tolerance, then increase to 250-500 mcg daily. After loading, maintenance doses are 1-2x per week.

For the full Melanotan 2 profile, vendor pricing, and safety protocols, see our Melanotan 2 peptide page.

Loading vs Maintenance

MT-2 follows a distinct two-phase protocol unlike most peptides:

Loading Phase (Weeks 1-3)

Purpose: Build melanin stores and establish tan base

• Dose: 250-500 mcg daily (start at 100-250 mcg)
• Duration: 2-3 weeks of daily injections
• UV exposure: 10-15 minutes daily (sun or tanning bed)
• Goal: Reach desired tan depth

Maintenance Phase (Week 4+)

Purpose: Maintain established tan with minimal dosing

• Dose: 250-500 mcg per injection
• Frequency: 1-2 times per week
• UV exposure: As desired or for maintenance
• Duration: Ongoing as long as tan maintenance is desired

Typical Protocol Patterns

• First-time users: 3 weeks loading, then maintenance
• Returning users: 2 weeks loading (faster response)
• Competition prep: Extended loading (4-6 weeks) for maximum darkness
• Seasonal use: Load in spring, maintain through summer

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous Injection (Standard)

Most common route — inject subcutaneously in abdomen, thigh, or arm area.

Injection tips:

• Timing: Many prefer before bed to "sleep through" nausea
• Rotation: Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
• Volume: Typically 0.1-0.2 mL with insulin syringe
• Technique: Pinch skin, insert at 45° angle, inject slowly

Intranasal (Alternative)

Less common but used in some clinical trials. Nasal sprays are available but absorption is less predictable than injection.

Considerations:

• More convenient than injection
• Less predictable dosing and absorption
• May cause nasal irritation
• Typically requires higher doses than subcutaneous

Why Not Oral

MT-2 is a peptide and gets destroyed by stomach acid. Oral administration is not effective.

Where These Numbers Come From: Clinical Context

Unlike many peptides, MT-2 has some human clinical data, though not for tanning applications.

Clinical Trial Data

Wessells et al. (2000) — Phase II trial for erectile dysfunction used intranasal MT-2 at 0.025mg/kg (approximately 1.75mg for 70kg person) with significant efficacy (PMID 10665659).

Safarinejad (2008) — Subcutaneous MT-2 for sexual dysfunction used 1.75mg doses with good tolerance and efficacy.

Community Protocol Evolution

The loading/maintenance pattern evolved from decades of underground use:

• Early protocols (1990s): Higher doses, more side effects
• Refined protocols (2000s): Loading phase concept developed
• Current protocols: Optimized for efficacy with manageable side effects
• Dose refinement: Community settled on 250-500 mcg range through trial and experience

Why These Doses Work

• Melanocortin receptor saturation: 250-500 mcg appears to effectively saturate MC1R without excessive overstimulation
• Side effect threshold: Higher doses dramatically increase nausea and other adverse effects
• UV synergy: Even small doses create dramatic responses when combined with minimal UV exposure

Reconstitution Guide

MT-2 comes as freeze-dried powder requiring reconstitution with bacteriostatic water.

What You Need

• MT-2 vial (typically 10 mg)
• Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
• Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)
• Alcohol swabs

Steps

1. Wipe both vial stoppers with alcohol swabs
2. Draw 1-2 mL BAC water into syringe
3. Inject slowly against vial wall (not directly on powder)
4. Swirl gently — never shake
5. Let dissolve completely (may take 2-3 minutes)
6. Label with date and concentration

Dosing Math

2 mL into 10 mg vial provides easy dosing calculations.

Storage

• Refrigerate immediately (2–8°C)
• Use within 30 days after reconstitution
• Protect from light — MT-2 is light-sensitive
• Don't freeze reconstituted solution
• Powder can be stored frozen long-term

Mechanism of Action

MT-2 works by binding to and activating melanocortin receptors:

MC1R activation — Primary receptor for melanin production in melanocytes. MT-2 binding triggers cAMP cascade leading to increased tyrosinase activity and eumelanin synthesis (Dorr et al., 1996).

MC3R/MC4R effects — Responsible for appetite suppression and metabolic effects. Activation reduces food intake and can promote fat loss (Wessells et al., 2000).

MC5R activation — Contributes to sebaceous gland effects and potentially some of the sexual effects observed with MT-2.

UV amplification — MT-2 dramatically amplifies the tanning response to UV exposure. Even minimal UV triggers substantial melanin production in the presence of MT-2.

Melanin distribution — Promotes redistribution of existing melanin and stimulates new melanin synthesis, creating darker, more even pigmentation.

Side Effects & Safety

MT-2 has a complex side effect profile requiring careful management:

Common Side Effects (Dose-Dependent)

Nausea (80-90% of users) — Most significant side effect, especially during loading. Usually peaks 2-4 hours post-injection and can last 4-6 hours.

Facial flushing — Occurs within 30-60 minutes of injection, typically lasts 1-2 hours. More common with higher doses.

Appetite suppression — Can be significant, especially during loading phase. Some users report 50%+ reduction in appetite.

Libido increase — Enhanced sexual desire and function, can be quite pronounced. This led to PT-141 development.

Fatigue/lethargy — Especially during first week of loading. Often improves with continued use.

Less Common Side Effects

Hyperpigmentation — Darkening of moles, freckles, and areolas. May be permanent.

Nausea and vomiting — Severe in some users, especially at higher doses.

Injection site darkening — Localized hyperpigmentation at injection sites.

Mood changes — Some users report irritability or mood swings during loading.

Managing Side Effects

For nausea:

• Start with lowest effective dose (100-250 mcg)
• Inject before bed to sleep through worst effects
• Take on empty stomach
• Consider anti-nausea medication (ondansetron, dramamine)
• Increase dose gradually over several days

For flushing:

• Usually decreases with continued use
• Stay hydrated and avoid hot environments post-injection
• Consider timing injection when flushing won't be problematic

For appetite suppression:

• May be beneficial for some users
• Ensure adequate nutrition despite reduced appetite
• Monitor weight loss to prevent excessive loss

Long-term Safety Concerns

Mole and freckle changes — Potentially permanent darkening and enlargement. Regular dermatological monitoring recommended.

Unknown long-term effects — Limited long-term human data exists.

Potential carcinogenic effects — Theoretical concern due to melanocyte stimulation, though no direct evidence exists.

Stacking Melanotan 2

MT-2 is rarely stacked with other peptides due to its unique mechanism and side effect profile:

MT-2 + PT-141 (Not Recommended)

Both work through melanocortin receptors — redundant rather than synergistic. Choose one based on primary goal:

• MT-2 — tanning with sexual side effects
• PT-141 — sexual enhancement without tanning

MT-2 + Fat Loss Peptides

Some users combine with fat loss compounds during cutting phases:

Considerations:

• MT-2's appetite suppression may synergize with other fat loss effects
• Monitor for excessive appetite suppression
• Ensure adequate nutrition despite reduced hunger

MT-2 + Sun Protection

Important: MT-2 does NOT eliminate the need for sun protection:

• Still use SPF when appropriate
• MT-2 tan provides some protection but not complete
• Monitor skin changes carefully
• Regular dermatological checkups recommended

Stacking Tips

• MT-2's side effect profile makes stacking challenging
• Start MT-2 alone to assess tolerance
• Most users find MT-2 sufficient on its own
• Avoid other compounds that might worsen nausea

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard Melanotan 2 loading dose?

The standard loading protocol is 250-500 mcg daily for 2-3 weeks. However, most people should start at 100-250 mcg to assess nausea tolerance before increasing to the full loading dose.

How long is the Melanotan 2 loading phase?

Loading typically lasts 2-3 weeks with daily injections to build melanin production. Some extend to 4 weeks if tanning progress is slow or if starting with very pale skin.

What's the Melanotan 2 maintenance dose?

After loading, maintenance is typically 250-500 mcg injected 1-2 times per week. The exact frequency depends on individual response, UV exposure, and desired tan maintenance.

How do I prevent Melanotan 2 nausea?

Start with 100-250 mcg to assess tolerance, inject before bed to sleep through the worst effects, take on an empty stomach, consider anti-nausea medications, and increase dose gradually over several days.

Is Melanotan 2 FDA-approved?

No — MT-2 has no FDA approval for any indication. Limited clinical trials exist for sexual dysfunction, but it was never approved for tanning applications. All tanning use is off-label.

Can Melanotan 2 cause permanent side effects?

Most side effects (nausea, flushing, appetite changes) are temporary. The main concern is potential permanent changes to moles and freckles, which require dermatological monitoring.

How much UV exposure do I need with Melanotan 2?

Minimal UV exposure is needed — even 10-15 minutes of sunlight or brief tanning bed sessions can trigger significant melanin production. Many users achieve substantial tans with just incidental sun exposure.

What's the difference between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2?

MT-2 is more potent for tanning and has additional effects on libido and appetite. Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is more selective, has fewer side effects, but requires higher doses and is FDA-approved for certain medical conditions.

Related Guides

• Melanotan 2 Peptide Page — Vendor pricing, safety protocols, and full peptide profile
• Melanotan 1 Dosing Guide — Alternative tanning peptide with fewer side effects
• Melanotan 2 Side Effects Guide — Every side effect explained with management protocols
• PT-141 vs Melanotan 2 — Sexual function comparison
• PT-141 Dosing Guide — Related melanocortin peptide for sexual enhancement
• Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2 — Head-to-head tanning comparison
• Why Melanotan-1 Best Peptide — The safer tanning alternative

References

For educational and research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Melanotan 2 is not FDA-approved for any indication and carries significant side effects requiring medical supervision.