Melanotan-1 Dosing Calculator
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 10 mg vial of Melanotan-1 reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields a concentration of 5.00 mg/mL. At that concentration, a 500 mcg dose of Melanotan-1 equals 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe (0.100 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 10 mg vial.
| BAC water added | Concentration | Volume per 500 mcg dose | Draw on U-100 syringe (units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 10.00 mg/mL | 0.050 mL | 5 units |
| 2 mL | 5.00 mg/mL | 0.100 mL | 10 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 10 mg vial of Melanotan-1?
The community standard is 2 mL of bacteriostatic water for a 10 mg Melanotan-1 vial. That gives a concentration of 5.00 mg/mL, so a 500 mcg dose is 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Adding 1 mL instead doubles the concentration to 10.00 mg/mL and halves the draw to 5 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 10 units when the 10 mg vial is reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water (5.00 mg/mL). If you use 1 mL of bac water instead, draw 5 units (10.00 mg/mL).
What is the standard Melanotan-1 dose?
Community-reported protocols for Melanotan-1 typically use 0.5 mg–1 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 10 mg vial of Melanotan-1 contains roughly 20 doses at 500 mcg per injection. At once daily dosing, that is approximately 20 days (about 3 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.
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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.