Melanotan I Dosage Guide

What Is Melanotan I and Why Does Dosing Matter?

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist. Synthetic α-MSH analog developed to stimulate melanin production through selective MC1R activation. Getting the dosage right is critical — too little may produce no measurable effect, while excessive amounts increase risk without proportional benefit.

The standard research dosage for Melanotan I has been established through preclinical studies and community protocols. This guide covers the evidence-backed dosing range, timing, and cycle structure.

What Is the Recommended Melanotan I Dosage?

The most widely used Melanotan I dosage is 16 mg implant (FDA-approved); 0.025-0.3 mg/kg (research dosing), administered every 60 days (implant) or daily (injection) via subcutaneous implant (approved) or subcutaneous injection.

Beginners should start at the lower end of this range and titrate upward only if needed. The half-life of Melanotan I is ~2 hours circulating; implant provides 2-month depot release, which directly determines how often you need to dose to maintain stable blood levels.

For Melanotan I specifically, the 60-day implant cycles; 4-8 weeks injection cycles cycle length is standard. Longer isn't always better — Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist compounds require cycling to maintain receptor sensitivity.

When Should You Dose Melanotan I?

With a half-life of ~2 hours circulating; implant provides 2-month depot release, timing your Melanotan I administration affects peak blood levels. Most protocols call for every 60 days (implant) or daily (injection).

For peptides administered before bed (common with GH-related compounds), the goal is to amplify the natural nocturnal growth hormone pulse. For healing peptides, proximity to the injury site via local injection can improve outcomes.

How Do You Reconstitute Melanotan I?

Melanotan I typically comes as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water — never saline or sterile water, as BAC water contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol that prevents bacterial growth and extends shelf life to 4-6 weeks.

Use our peptide dosing calculator to determine the exact amount of BAC water to add based on your vial size and desired dose per injection.

How Long Should a Melanotan I Cycle Last?

Standard Melanotan I cycles run 60-day implant cycles; 4-8 weeks injection cycles. This timeframe is based on the compound's mechanism and the time needed to observe measurable effects.

Multiple Phase II/III clinical trials. FDA-approved in 2019 for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) as Scenesse — the only Melanotan with full regulatory approval and extensive human safety data.

What Side Effects Can Affect Dosing?

Milder than Melanotan II: fatigue, headache, facial flushing, nausea, development or darkening of freckles/moles. Slower onset than MT-II (weeks vs days). Generally considered safer.

If side effects emerge, the first step is typically reducing the dose rather than discontinuing entirely. Most Melanotan I-related side effects are dose-dependent.

How Does Melanotan I Dosing Change When Stacking?

Used as standalone; not typically combined with other melanocortin peptides.

When stacking, some researchers reduce individual peptide doses by 20-30% since synergistic effects mean full doses of each aren't always necessary.

What Is the Bottom Line on Melanotan I Dosing?

Start at 16 mg implant (FDA, dose every 60 days (implant) or daily (injection), and run cycles of 60-day implant cycles; 4-8 weeks injection cycles. Monitor your response and adjust within the established range.

Source matters — always use research-grade Melanotan I from vendors with third-party COA testing. Underdosed or contaminated products are the most common reason for poor results.

Related Reading

• Melanotan I Benefits
• Melanotan I Side Effects
• Melanotan I Stacking Guide
• Melanotan I Cycle Guide
• Melanotan I Research
• ARA-290 Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions