Melanotan I vs Melanotan II
FDA Approved vs Well Studied
avoid Researched · 95% Overlapping mechanisms; avoid combining
Molecular Data
Melanotan I Melanotan II
Weight 1646.88 Da —
Half-life ~30 minutes ~2 hours
Type Synthetic peptide analog Synthetic alpha-MSH analog
Key Benefits
Melanotan I
01 Precise dosing control with rapid tanning onset
02 Flexible home administration unlike implant version
03 Visible tanning within 1-2 weeks with UV exposure
04 Enhanced photoprotection through increased melanin
05 More selective for MC1R than Melanotan II
Melanotan II
01 Rapid tanning without UV exposure
02 Enhanced sexual function and libido
03 Appetite suppression
04 Improved mood via melanocortin activation
05 Photoprotection through increased melanin
Dosing Protocols
Melanotan I
Loading: 0.25-0.5mg daily; Maintenance: 0.25-0.5mg 2-3x weekly / Loading phase: 1-2x daily for 1-2 weeks, then maintenance 2-3x weekly
Loading phase 0.25-0.5mg 1-2x daily for 1-2 weeks
Maintenance 0.25-0.5mg 2-3x weekly
Melanotan II
Loading: Start 0.25mg daily, increase to 0.5-1mg; Maintenance: 0.5-1mg 2-3x weekly / Loading phase: Daily for first week, then tanning maintenance 2-3x weekly or as needed for sexual enhancement
Initial loading phase 0.25mg 1x daily
Tanning maintenance 0.5-1mg 2-3x weekly
Sexual enhancement 0.5-1mg As needed
Minimal side effects 0.1-0.25mg Every other day
Photoprotection 0.5mg 2x weekly
Side Effects
Melanotan I
Mild nausea
Facial flushing
Reduced appetite
Increased mole/freckle pigmentation
Melanotan II
Nausea (pre-treatment with antiemetics recommended)
Facial flushing
Temporary blood pressure elevation
Fatigue
Spontaneous erections
Contraindications
History of melanoma or dysplastic nevi
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Cardiovascular conditions
Uncontrolled hypertension
Research Evidence
Melanotan I Melanotan II
Status FDA Approved Well Studied
References 3 studies 4 studies
Latest — 2024
FDA Approved Yes No
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This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.