PT-141
Also known as: Bremelanotide, Vyleesi
Melanocortin Receptor Agonist | Sexual Dysfunction Treatment
Overview
FDA-approved melanocortin receptor agonist for treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Works centrally in the nervous system to trigger sexual arousal pathways independent of vascular mechanisms, unlike traditional ED medications.
Key benefits
- FDA-approved pharmaceutical route
- Predictable absorption profile
- Effective for both male and female sexual dysfunction
- Works within 45 minutes
- Effective in PDE5 inhibitor-resistant cases
- Central mechanism (not dependent on blood flow)
Mechanism of action
Selectively activates melanocortin receptors (MC3R/MC4R) in the central nervous system, triggering sexual arousal pathways independent of peripheral vascular mechanisms. Works within 45 minutes with effects lasting 6-12 hours.
Molecular data
- Type
- Melanocortin receptor agonist
- Half-life
- ~2.7 hours
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Sexual Health
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
Most effectiveFDA-approved for treatment of HSDD in premenopausal women.
Erectile Dysfunction
EffectiveEffective in men including PDE5 inhibitor-resistant cases via CNS pathways.
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
EffectiveEnhances sexual arousal and desire in women.
Quality of Life
Sexual Distress Reduction
EffectiveReduces distress related to low sexual desire.
Sexual Satisfaction
EffectiveEnhanced satisfaction reported in clinical trials.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Injectable
Subcutaneous injection is the FDA-approved route. Administered 45-60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female HSDD (FDA-approved) | 1.75mg | As needed, max 1 dose/24hr | SubQ |
| Male Erectile Dysfunction | 1-2mg | As needed, 45-60min before activity | SubQ |
| Female Arousal Disorder | 0.75-1.25mg | As needed, max 1 dose/24hr | SubQ |
| Low Starting Dose | 0.5mg | Test dose for tolerance assessment | SubQ |
Preparation
You will need
- PT-141 lyophilized powder vial
- Bacteriostatic water (1-2mL)
- Insulin syringe (29-31 gauge)
- Alcohol swabs
- Sterile mixing syringe
Steps
- Allow vial to reach room temperature (15-20 minutes)
- Clean vial tops with alcohol swabs
- Draw 1-2mL bacteriostatic water
- Inject BAC water slowly down vial side
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved (do not shake)
- Solution should appear clear and colorless
- Store reconstituted solution refrigerated
- Use within 30 days of reconstitution
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Nasal
Intranasal spray with faster onset (30-45 minutes). Limited clinical data compared to injectable.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male ED - Standard | 1.5-2mg | As needed, 30-45min before | Nasal |
| Female Sexual Dysfunction | 1-1.5mg | As needed, max 1 dose/24hr | Nasal |
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
Nitrates
AvoidRisk of severe hypotension - contraindicated with heart condition medications.
Sildenafil/Tadalafil
MonitorPT-141 works centrally; PDE5 inhibitors work peripherally - monitor for additive BP effects.
Melanotan II
MonitorBoth are melanocortin agonists; combining risks excessive activation and side effects.
Blood Pressure Medications
MonitorPT-141 can transiently lower blood pressure - monitor closely.
Alcohol
MonitorBoth lower BP and cause flushing - limit intake to avoid excessive hypotension.
Kisspeptin
MonitorDifferent pathways (melanocortin vs GnRH) - no receptor overlap but monitor BP effects.
BPC-157
CompatibleDifferent mechanisms; no known interactions.
Testosterone
SynergisticMay work synergistically for sexual dysfunction through different pathways.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- 0-30 minutes
Mild nausea or facial flushing possible
- 45-90 minutes
Onset of effects - increased arousal and desire
- 2-4 hours
Peak effects - enhanced sexual response
- 6-12 hours
Gradual diminishment of effects
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Nausea (40%)
- Flushing (20%)
- Headache (11%)
- Injection site reactions
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- Severe or persistent nausea/vomiting
- Significant blood pressure drop or dizziness
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe headache or vision changes
- Prolonged erection exceeding 4 hours
Contraindications
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Use of nitrate medications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Monitoring
- Blood pressure monitoring recommended
- Take anti-nausea medication 30 minutes prior if prone to nausea
- Avoid alcohol to minimize BP effects
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- FDA-approved pharmaceutical grade (Vyleesi) from licensed pharmacy
- White crystalline powder (pure PT-141)
- Clear solution when reconstituted
- Proper labeling with concentration and purity
Warning signs
- Compounded versions - ensure pharmacy is licensed and follows USP standards
Stop signs — don't use
- Colored or oily appearance indicating impurities or degradation
- Cloudy solution after reconstitution
- Unknown source without quality documentation
Recent research
Newer papers and trial readouts on file for this compound, with source and date.
2022 · Journal of Women's Health
Safety Profile of Bremelanotide Across the Clinical Development Program
Comprehensive safety analysis across all bremelanotide clinical trials. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild/moderate, with nausea (40%), flushing (20%), and headache (11%) being most common.
2022 · Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
Bremelanotide for Treatment of Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire
Review of bremelanotide's role as the only as-needed FDA-approved treatment for HSDD, with evidence supporting significant improvement in desire and reduced distress.
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
Bremelanotide for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Two Randomized Phase 3 Trials (RECONNECT)
Kingsberg SA, Clayton AH, Portman D, et al. · Obstetrics & Gynecology · 2019
Two identical phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (NCT02333071 and NCT02338960). Bremelanotide 1.75mg SubQ significantly improved sexual desire and reduced related distress in premenopausal women with HSDD.
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of Intranasal PT-141 in Healthy Males and Patients with Erectile Dysfunction
Diamond LE, Earle DC, Rosen RC, et al. · Urology · 2004
Intranasal PT-141 produced dose-dependent increase in erectile activity at doses >7mg, with onset in ~30 minutes. Safe and well-tolerated in both healthy men and ED patients.
The Neurobiology of Bremelanotide for the Treatment of HSDD in Premenopausal Women
Clayton AH, Kingsberg SA, Goldstein I, et al. · CNS Spectrums · 2021
Bremelanotide activates MC4R in the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus, increasing dopamine release. CNS mechanism of action independent of peripheral vascular effects.
Salvage of Sildenafil Failures with Bremelanotide: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Safarinejad MR · Journal of Urology · 2008
342 men with ED unresponsive to sildenafil randomized to 10mg bremelanotide intranasal spray vs placebo. Demonstrated effectiveness in PDE5 inhibitor-resistant cases.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.
Featured in these stacks
- Libido Support (PT-141)A centrally-acting desire stack built on PT-141 (bremelanotide), with an optional PDE5 inhibitor for the physical side.2 compounds
- Tan & Libido (Melanotan II)A melanocortin stack pairing Melanotan II for tanning with PT-141 for libido — same receptor family, two effects.2 compounds