PT-141 (Bremelanotide) Dosing Guide (2026)
PT-141 dosing guide with FDA-approved data, community protocols, reconstitution, timing, and safety.
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic melanocortin receptor agonist that works centrally in the brain to enhance sexual desire and arousal. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors that work peripherally on blood flow, PT-141 targets the melanocortin system in the hypothalamus.
This is FDA-approved for women with HSDD. Community protocols often use lower doses than the FDA-approved regimen. This is not medical advice.
Quick Reference: Community Dosing
If you're here for the practical protocol, here it is:
| Parameter | Standard Protocol |
|---|---|
| Dose | 500 mcg–1 mg |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection (abdomen or thigh) |
| Timing | 30 minutes before sexual activity |
| Frequency | As needed, maximum once per 24 hours |
| Vial size | 10 mg |
| Reconstitution | 2 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial |
| Storage | Refrigerate, use within 28 days |
Most people start at 500 mcg and adjust up to 1 mg based on response and tolerability. Unlike daily peptides, PT-141 is used on-demand before sexual activity.
For the full PT-141 peptide profile, vendor pricing, and stack protocols, see our PT-141 peptide page.
Loading vs Maintenance
PT-141 doesn't follow traditional loading/maintenance phases since it's an on-demand medication. However, there are timing considerations:
First-time use: Start with 500 mcg to assess tolerability. Nausea is common on initial doses but typically decreases with repeated use.
Tolerance development: Some users report decreased effectiveness with frequent use. Taking 1-2 weeks off every month may help maintain sensitivity.
Timing optimization: Effects begin 15-30 minutes post-injection and peak at 1-2 hours. Most people inject 30 minutes before anticipated activity for optimal timing.
Routes of Administration
Subcutaneous Injection (Standard)
The only practical route for PT-141. Clinical trials and the FDA-approved PT-141 use subcutaneous injection.
- Injection sites: Abdomen, thigh, upper arm — anywhere with subcutaneous fat
- Volume: Typically 0.1–0.2 mL with an insulin syringe
- Needle: 29–31 gauge insulin syringe
Why not oral? PT-141 is a cyclic peptide that's degraded by stomach acid and poorly absorbed orally, unlike BPC-157 which is acid-stable.
Why not nasal? Early research explored nasal administration, but subcutaneous proved more reliable for consistent dosing and FDA approval.
Ready to Buy? Compare Prices
Best current prices from verified vendors with COA testing.
Particle Peptides · 10mg · $3.41/mgCOA ✓
Penguin Peptides · 5mg · $10.40/mgCOA ✓
The Peptide Brief
Weekly price drops, new research, and vendor deals — straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Where These Numbers Come From: Clinical Context
Community PT-141 protocols aren't guesswork — they're informed by extensive clinical trial data, including the FDA-approved PT-141 regimen.
FDA-Approved Clinical Data
PT-141 is FDA-approved at 1.75 mg SC** for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Key clinical trials:
- RECONNECT trials — Phase III studies in 1,267 women with HSDD showed significant improvement in sexual desire and distress reduction at 1.75 mg SC (Kingsberg et al., 2019)
- Dose-finding studies — Doses from 0.75–2.0 mg were tested, with 1.75 mg providing optimal efficacy-to-side-effect ratio
Male Studies
While FDA approval is limited to women, clinical studies in men show similar efficacy:
- Erectile dysfunction trials — Doses of 7–20 mg showed efficacy in men with ED, though with higher nausea rates (Wessells et al., 2000)
- Psychogenic ED — Lower doses (1–2 mg) showed particular promise in psychogenic rather than organic ED
Why Community Doses Are Lower
Community protocols (500 mcg–1 mg) are typically lower than FDA-approved dosing (1.75 mg) for several reasons:
- Side effect management — Nausea incidence increases substantially at higher doses
- Individual variation — Some people achieve desired effects at lower doses
- Male vs. female differences — Anecdotal reports suggest men may need slightly lower doses than women
- Risk-benefit optimization — Users balance efficacy against tolerability
Mechanism of Action
PT-141 works through the central nervous system, specifically targeting melanocortin receptors in the brain:
Melanocortin 3 & 4 receptors (MC3R/MC4R) — PT-141 activates these receptors in the hypothalamus, triggering neural pathways associated with sexual arousal and desire (Pfaus et al., 2021).
Central vs. peripheral action — Unlike PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis) that work on blood vessels, PT-141 works in the brain. This makes it effective for desire/arousal issues rather than just mechanical function.
Dopaminergic pathways — MC4R activation influences dopamine release in brain regions associated with sexual motivation and reward (Van der Ploeg et al., 2002).
Gender differences — The same receptor pathways exist in both sexes, explaining efficacy in both men and women, though clinical development focused on female HSDD due to unmet medical need.
Side Effects & Safety
PT-141 has a well-characterized side effect profile from extensive clinical trials:
Most Common Side Effects (from clinical trials)
- Nausea — 40%+ of users, most common side effect, usually mild-moderate
- Flushing — Facial warmth and redness, typically brief
- Headache — Usually mild, resolves within hours
- Injection site reactions — Redness, minor swelling
Less Common
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Decreased appetite
- Nasal congestion
Safety Notes
- Maximum frequency: One dose per 24 hours — more frequent dosing increases nausea risk without additional benefit
- Cardiovascular: No significant effects on blood pressure or heart rate in clinical trials
- Drug interactions: Minimal CYP enzyme metabolism, low interaction potential
- Pregnancy/nursing: Contraindicated — category X in pregnancy
Managing Nausea
- Start low: Begin with 500 mcg to assess tolerance
- Take with food: Light meal 30 minutes before injection can reduce nausea
- Ginger: Some users report ginger supplements help
- Tolerance develops: Nausea typically decreases with repeated use
Stacking PT-141
PT-141 is occasionally combined with other compounds targeting different aspects of sexual function:
PT-141 + PDE5 Inhibitors
The most common combination — PT-141 handles desire/arousal centrally while PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis) handle blood flow peripherally:
- Timing: Take PT-141 first (30 min before), then PDE5 inhibitor per its normal timing
- Synergistic effects: Addresses both psychological and physical aspects
- Caution: Monitor for additive blood pressure effects, though PT-141 has minimal cardiovascular impact
PT-141 + Oxytocin
Oxytocin enhances bonding and emotional connection, potentially complementing PT-141's arousal effects:
| Peptide | Dose | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| PT-141 | 500 mcg–1 mg | 30 minutes before |
| Oxytocin | 10–40 IU nasal | 15 minutes before |
PT-141 + Kisspeptin
Kisspeptin works through completely different pathways — it stimulates the GnRH/LH hormonal cascade rather than melanocortin arousal circuits. This makes the two peptides potentially complementary: kisspeptin addresses hormonal optimization while PT-141 targets acute arousal. For a detailed comparison, see our kisspeptin vs PT-141 analysis. For kisspeptin-specific protocols, see the kisspeptin dosing guide.
Stacking Considerations
- Start separately: Assess individual response before combining
- Side effect management: Nausea from PT-141 may be amplified by other compounds
- Timing complexity: Multiple compounds with different onset times require careful scheduling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard PT-141 dose?
The most common community protocol is 500 mcg subcutaneous injection, taken 30 minutes before sexual activity. This is lower than the FDA-approved dose of 1.75 mg, chosen to balance efficacy with tolerability.
How long before activity should I take PT-141?
30 minutes is the most common timing. Effects can begin within 15-20 minutes and peak around 1-2 hours. Clinical trials showed peak effect at 1.5-2 hours post-injection.
Can PT-141 be used daily?
No — maximum one dose per 24 hours. PT-141 is an 'as needed' medication, not a daily protocol. Daily use increases nausea risk and provides no additional benefit since effects last several hours.
What's the difference between PT-141 and Melanotan-II?
PT-141 is a modified version of Melanotan-II designed specifically for sexual function, with reduced tanning effects. PT-141 targets MC3R/MC4R receptors in the brain, while MT-II has broader effects including skin pigmentation.
Is PT-141 FDA-approved?
Yes — for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. The FDA dose is 1.75 mg SC, higher than typical community protocols.
How do I reconstitute PT-141?
Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial (5,000 mcg/mL concentration). 500 mcg = 10 units; 1 mg = 20 units on an insulin syringe. Swirl gently, refrigerate, use within 28 days.
What are the main side effects of PT-141?
Nausea is most common (40%+ in trials), followed by flushing, headache, and injection site reactions. Nausea typically decreases with repeated use. Taking with food can help.
Does PT-141 work for both men and women?
Clinical studies show efficacy in both sexes, though FDA approval is only for women with HSDD. Men use it off-label for erectile dysfunction, often at similar community doses.
Related Guides
- PT-141 Peptide Page — Vendor pricing, stack protocols, and full peptide profile
- PT-141 vs Melanotan 2 — Head-to-head sexual function comparison
- Melanotan-2 Dosing Guide — Related melanocortin peptide with broader effects
- Melanotan 2 Side Effects — Complete MT-2 safety guide
- What Are Peptides — Understanding peptide basics and mechanisms
- How Peptides Work — Deep dive on peptide pharmacology
References
| Citation | Topic | PMID |
|---|---|---|
| Kingsberg et al., Obstet Gynecol (2019) | RECONNECT Phase III trials, 1.75mg efficacy in HSDD | 31599840 |
| Wessells et al., Urology (2000) | MT-II review in ED subjects, erectogenic effects | 11035391 |
| Pfaus et al., Pharmacol Biochem Behav (2016) | Bremelanotide neurobiology, MC4R arousal pathways | 33455598 |
| Clément et al., Eur J Pharmacol (2002) | MC4R role in sexual function, erectile modulation | 12172010 |
For educational and research purposes only. This is not medical advice. PT-141 is FDA-approved for specific indications; off-label use should be discussed with a healthcare provider.