Melanotan II Dosage Guide: Reconstitution, Injection Volumes, and Research Protocol
Research guide to Melanotan II vial reconstitution, injection volume calculation, standard dosing protocols for tanning and libido research, and administration frequency guidelines.
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Melanotan II (MT-II) is a cyclic melanocortin receptor agonist studied for skin pigmentation, libido, and appetite suppression. This guide covers practical reconstitution and dosing for research use.
What Vials Typically Come In
Melanotan II research vials are most commonly available as:
- 10 mg vials (standard)
- 5 mg vials
How to Reconstitute Melanotan II
Standard reconstitution for a 10 mg vial:
1. Swab the rubber stopper with alcohol; allow to dry
2. Draw 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water into a syringe
3. Inject water slowly down the vial wall
4. Swirl gently — do not shake
5. Allow 2–3 minutes; swirl again until completely dissolved
6. Store immediately at 2–8°C; protect from light
Concentration examples:
- 10 mg + 1 mL BW → 10,000 mcg/mL (10 mg/mL)
- 10 mg + 2 mL BW → 5000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL)
- 10 mg + 5 mL BW → 2000 mcg/mL (2 mg/mL)
The 2 mL dilution (5 mg/mL) is commonly used as it provides convenient volumes for the 0.5–1 mg dose range.
Standard Research Dosage Ranges
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading | 0.5–1 mg/day | Daily | Continue until desired pigmentation achieved |
| Maintenance | 0.5–1 mg | 1–2x per week | Maintain tan with UV exposure |
| Libido research | 0.025–0.1 mg/kg | As needed | Lower doses may be sufficient |
Starting at lower doses (0.25 mg) and building up is strongly recommended to assess tolerance — MT-II can cause significant nausea at higher initial doses.
Injection Volume Table
Using a 5000 mcg/mL solution (10 mg in 2 mL BW):
| Target Dose | Volume to Inject |
|---|---|
| 250 mcg (0.25 mg) | 0.05 mL (5 units) |
| 500 mcg (0.5 mg) | 0.10 mL (10 units) |
| 750 mcg (0.75 mg) | 0.15 mL (15 units) |
| 1 mg (1000 mcg) | 0.20 mL (20 units) |
Compute exact injection volumes for any vial size with the Dose Calculator.
Frequency, Timing, and Cycle Length
- Timing: Evening injection is preferred as nausea (common in early doses) is less disruptive during sleep
- UV exposure: Some protocols incorporate moderate UV exposure to maximise pigmentation response
- Cycle length: Loading phase typically 2–4 weeks; maintenance as needed
- Injection site: Subcutaneous to abdomen or thigh
Storage
- Lyophilised vials: -20°C (room temperature stable for short periods)
- After reconstitution: 2–8°C; use within 28 days
- Protect reconstituted MT-II from light
Calculate Your Exact Injection Volume
Use our free dose calculator — enter any vial size and target dose to get the precise volume to draw up.
About the Author
KnowYourPeptide Research Team
KnowYourPeptide Research Team
Content produced by the KnowYourPeptide research and editorial team. All articles are written from peer-reviewed primary literature and reviewed for scientific accuracy by credentialed researchers and a board-certified physician before publication.
Meet the full editorial teamMedically Reviewed by Dr. Amanda Reid, MD
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Amanda Reid, MD (Board-Certified Internal Medicine), Know Your Peptide Medical Advisor, for scientific accuracy, safety information, and appropriate clinical context. Learn about our review process.