Melanotan-1 Dosing Calculator
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide): Approved alpha-MSH analog.
Pre-filled with the most-reported community reconstitution protocol for Melanotan-1. See how 1 mL and 2 mL of bacteriostatic water change concentration and syringe-draw volume, then adjust the calculator below for your own vial.
Quick answer · Community-reported standard
A 5 mg vial of Melanotan-1 reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields a concentration of 2.50 mg/mL. At that concentration, a 500 mcg dose of Melanotan-1 equals 20 units on a U-100 insulin syringe (0.200 mL). Melanotan-1 is typically administered once daily via subcutaneous.
Melanotan-1 reconstitution: 1 mL vs 2 mL bac water
Bacteriostatic water volume is flexible. Less water means higher concentration and smaller injection volumes; more water means lower concentration and easier dose precision. Both options below are valid for a 5 mg vial.
| BAC water added | Concentration | Volume per 500 mcg dose | Draw on U-100 syringe (units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5.00 mg/mL | 0.100 mL | 10 units |
| 2 mL | 2.50 mg/mL | 0.200 mL | 20 units |
Calculate your Melanotan-1 dose
Alternative Melanotan-1 protocols
Beyond the default above, Melanotan-1 is also reported in the following protocols. Use these as starting points and recalculate with the tool above.
Maintenance Protocol
Community- Dose
- 1.0-2.0 mg
- Frequency
- Once weekly
- Duration
- Ongoing (during sun season)
- Route
- Subcutaneous
After initial loading; approximately 8 mg per month for maintenance
Conservative Protocol
Community- Dose
- 0.5 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Duration
- 2-3 weeks then biweekly
- Route
- Subcutaneous
Lower dose for gradual tanning with minimal side effects; preferred by those sensitive to nausea
EPP photoprotection (approved)
Clinical- Dose
- 16 mg subcutaneous implant
- Frequency
- Every 60 days
- Duration
- 3-5 implants per year, seasonally adjusted
Administered by specialist physician via subcutaneous insertion
Research tanning protocol (investigational)
Clinical- Dose
- 0.16 mg/kg subcutaneous injection
- Frequency
- Daily for 10 days per cycle
- Duration
- 10-day cycles repeated monthly for up to 3 months
SC bioavailability approximately 100% relative to IV
Melanotan-1 reconstitution & storage
Lyophilized powder reconstituted with sterile water or bacteriostatic water; peptide is most stable at acidic to neutral pH (avoid pH >8)
Lyophilized powder stored at 2-8C; reconstituted solution refrigerated and used within days; Ea ~15.8 kcal/mol supports significant stabilization with refrigeration
Melanotan-1 dosing FAQ
How much bacteriostatic water should I add to a 5 mg vial of Melanotan-1?
The community standard is 2 mL of bacteriostatic water for a 5 mg Melanotan-1 vial. That gives a concentration of 2.50 mg/mL, so a 500 mcg dose is 20 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Adding 1 mL instead doubles the concentration to 5.00 mg/mL and halves the draw to 10 units. Less water = smaller injection volume but harder to measure precisely.
How many syringe units is a 500 mcg dose of Melanotan-1?
On a standard U-100 insulin syringe, a 500 mcg dose of Melanotan-1 is 20 units when the 5 mg vial is reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water (2.50 mg/mL). If you use 1 mL of bac water instead, draw 10 units (5.00 mg/mL).
What is the standard Melanotan-1 dose?
Community-reported protocols for Melanotan-1 typically use 0.5 mgâ1 mg once daily via Subcutaneous. 500 mcg is a common starting dose. Higher doses than MT-2 due to MC1R selectivity (less potent per mg); combined with moderate UV exposure
How long does a vial of Melanotan-1 last at 500 mcg once daily?
A 5 mg vial of Melanotan-1 contains roughly 10 doses at 500 mcg per injection. At once daily dosing, that is approximately 10 days (about 1 weeks) of supply per vial. Reconstituted Melanotan-1 should generally be used within 28 days when refrigerated.
Where do you inject Melanotan-1?
Melanotan-1 is typically injected subcutaneous. Common sites reported in the literature and by users include: Abdomen (subcutaneous), Upper arm (subcutaneous). Rotate sites with each injection to reduce localized irritation.
Can I use sterile water instead of bacteriostatic water for Melanotan-1?
Bacteriostatic water (containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative) is strongly preferred for multi-dose vials like Melanotan-1 because it inhibits microbial growth and lets a single vial be used over multiple weeks. Sterile water has no preservative and should generally be reserved for single-use preparations only.
More on Melanotan-1
Melanotan-1 overview
Mechanism of action, primary uses, and research summary
Melanotan-1 dosing protocols
Full clinical and research-based dosing reference
Melanotan-1 community protocols
Real-world usage patterns from peptide communities
Melanotan-1 side effects
Reported adverse effects and safety considerations
Medical Disclaimer
This website is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.