Peptide Academy · Cosmetic

MT-2

Also known as Melanotan II Acetate

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Educational research summary, not medical advice. Many compounds here are not approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician before making any health decision.

The Peptide Academy is free to read. Members also get the research protocols for MT-2, dose and vial tracking, and an AI Advisor with cited sources. Try it all free for 7 days, no card needed.

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What is MT-2?

A cyclic melanocortin analog studied for tanning, with notable sexual side effects.

How it works

Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R/MC4R), driving melanogenesis and centrally mediated appetite and libido effects.

Published research

  • Early human studies for tanning and erectile function; never completed approval

Cautions

Unapproved. Nausea, flushing, darkening of moles; regulators have warned against use.

Side effects & fixes

Common side effects

  • —Nausea — the most common effect, usually in the first doses
  • —Facial flushing
  • —Spontaneous erections (Melanotan II)
  • —Darker freckles and moles, and skin tanning
  • —Reduced appetite and frequent yawning
  • —Temporary rise in blood pressure (PT-141)

Histamine reactions

Common flushing and warmth across the face and neck shortly after dosing.

Common fixes

  • Start with a very small dose and increase gradually; nausea fades as you adapt.
  • Dose a few hours after a light meal, and keep ginger or bland snacks on hand.
  • Avoid if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease.
  • Check your moles regularly and have any that change looked at by a dermatologist.
  • For mild itching, redness or flushing, a non-drowsy over-the-counter antihistamine (such as cetirizine or loratadine) is commonly used — check with a pharmacist first, especially if you take other medicines.

Stop and get help

  • A painful erection lasting more than 4 hours.
  • Any mole that changes shape, colour or size.
  • Stop and get emergency help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, widespread hives, chest pain or fainting.

Basis: Prescribing information (bremelanotide) and clinical reports for melanocortins. Educational only, not medical advice.

Medication concerns

Theoretical: no human interaction studies

  • Blood pressure medicines, heart disease

    Melanocortin agonists can raise blood pressure and change heart rate after a dose.

  • Erectile dysfunction pills (sildenafil, tadalafil)

    Combining with melanotan II or similar may raise the risk of prolonged, painful erections. An erection over 4 hours is an emergency.

  • Medicines taken by mouth

    Some melanocortin drugs slow stomach emptying, which can delay absorption.

  • Photosensitizing medicines (doxycycline, isotretinoin) and skin cancer risk

    Tanning agents darken skin and moles; have new or changing moles checked.

  • Everything else you take, including supplements

    Bring a full list of medicines and supplements to your pharmacist or clinician before starting.

Basis: Extrapolated from bremelanotide and setmelanotide labels; no interaction studies for research melanocortin peptides. Educational only, not medical advice. Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without your prescriber.

Protocols & tracking are members-only

Members see the research protocols for MT-2, plan schedules, track every dose and vial, and ask the AI Advisor questions with cited sources. Try every Researcher feature free for 7 days, no card needed.

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