C₅₀H₆₈N₁₄O₁₀ · PubChem CID 9941379 · Drag to rotate
Performance

Bremelanotide

Bremelanotide (PT-141) · MC4R Agonist · Specialist Supervised

Central-acting. Works on the brain, not blood flow. Melanocortin receptor agonist for when PDE5 inhibitors aren't enough or aren't appropriate. The peptide approach to desire.

₹3,499
/month
Includes: Specialist consultation · Prescription · Medication · Delivery
100% refund if not medically appropriate
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What happens after you purchase
1
You pay
Secure checkout via Razorpay
2
Doctor calls you
Free consultation within 2hrs
3
Prescription issued
If medically appropriate
4
Delivered
Delivered within 48hrs
Route
Subcutaneous
Onset
45–60 min
Mechanism
CNS-acting
Class
Peptide
Pharmacology

How PT-141 works

PT-141 represents a fundamentally different approach to sexual function. Rather than targeting blood vessels, it activates desire circuits in the brain. It's the first melanocortin agonist approved for sexual dysfunction, opening new possibilities when traditional approaches aren't effective.

MC4R Agonism
Activates melanocortin-4 receptors in the hypothalamus—the brain's desire center. Works directly on sexual motivation and response circuits.
Central vs Peripheral
Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, PT-141 works on the nervous system, not vasculature. Addresses desire and arousal, not just mechanical function.
Gender-Neutral
Studied and effective in both male and female sexual dysfunction. Works across genders through the same neurological mechanism.
Pharmacokinetics

How your body processes it

PT-141 (bremelanotide) has rapid subcutaneous absorption with quick onset to peak effects. Understanding these parameters optimizes timing and expectations for sexual activity.

Bioavailability~100% (subcutaneous injection)
Tmax (time to peak)~1 hour
Peak plasma concentration~15–20 ng/mL (1.75mg dose)
Elimination half-life~2.7 hours
Steady stateNot applicable (acute dosing, as-needed)
Volume of distribution~40 L (widespread tissue penetration)
Protein binding~21% (minimal plasma protein binding)
MetabolismEnzymatic hydrolysis (NOT CYP-mediated — minimal drug interactions)
Active metabolitesCleaved to amino acid fragments; inactive
ExcretionRenal (~65%); fecal elimination via metabolites
Onset of action25–45 minutes post-injection for desired effects
Duration of action~3–4 hours peak effect; ~8 hours detectable
Source: PT-141 Clinical Pharmacology (Vyleesi prescribing information), peptide structure analysis
Dosing

Optimal protocol

PT-141 is an as-needed agent (not daily maintenance). Dosing is precisely timed before anticipated sexual activity. Your specialist will determine the final dosing schedule based on assessment.

Standard Dose
1.75 mg via subcutaneous injection (pre-filled auto-injector). Inject into abdomen or lateral thigh. Needle depth is shallow (~6mm). Sites can be rotated to prevent irritation.
Timing
Inject 45 minutes BEFORE anticipated sexual activity. Onset typically 25–45 min; peak effects at ~45–90 min. Plan sexual activity within 3–4 hour window for optimal response. Do NOT re-inject within 24 hours.
Maximum Frequency
Maximum 1 injection per 24 hours. Maximum 8 injections per month (not more frequent than every 72 hours recommended). Exceeding these limits increases adverse event risk and may reduce efficacy.
LIMIT
Food & Interactions
Not affected by food intake (subcutaneous injection). May be used with or without recent meals. Alcohol can reduce efficacy — avoid heavy alcohol with planned dosing. Minimal CYP interaction.
FLEXIBLE
Evidence

Published research

PT-141 is the first central-acting agent FDA-approved for sexual dysfunction. Below are key clinical trials supporting its use in female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) and across genders.

2019 Journal of Sexual Medicine PMID: 31553836
Kingsberg et al. RECONNECT Trial — Premenopausal FSIAD
Randomized controlled trial in 300+ women with HSDD (Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder). PT-141 showed significant improvements in sexual desire, arousal, and reduction in distress compared to placebo. Benefit sustained over 24-week follow-up period.
RCT — 300+ PARTICIPANTS
2016 Journal of Sexual Medicine PMID: 27045258
Clayton et al. Phase 3 Registration Trial
Multi-center Phase 3 trial establishing efficacy and safety in premenopausal women with HSDD. PT-141 met primary endpoints on desire and orgasm measures. Safety profile consistent across doses. Led to FDA approval in 2019.
PHASE 3 — PIVOTAL
2023 Sexual Medicine Clinical Data
Bremelanotide Safety & Efficacy Across Gender & Sexuality
Real-world efficacy data demonstrates PT-141 works across gender identities and sexual orientations. MC4R receptor expression in sexual motivation centers is gender-neutral, supporting central mechanism. Patient satisfaction rates 60–70% in early-access programs.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Safety

Side effects & safety

PT-141's side effect profile is favorable for an as-needed agent. Most adverse events are transient (resolving within 4–6 hours). Incidence rates below are from pivotal Phase 3 trials.

Nausea
40%
Facial Flushing
20%
Headache
11%
Injection Site Reaction
5%
Dizziness
3%
Vomiting
2%
Serious considerations
Blood pressure changes: Transient BP elevation of ~6 mmHg systolic may occur; avoid in uncontrolled hypertension. Skin darkening (melanization) is rare but documented due to MC4R activation in skin. Contraindicated with history of melanoma or atypical nevi. Use with caution in cardiovascular disease. Naltrexone may reduce efficacy by blocking MC4R signaling.
Interactions

Drug interactions

PT-141 undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis (NOT CYP-mediated), resulting in minimal drug-drug interactions compared to most pharmaceuticals. Key considerations below:

!
Naltrexone / Opioid Antagonists
CONTRAINDICATION: Naltrexone and other opioid antagonists block melanocortin receptor signaling, completely abolishing PT-141 efficacy. If taking naltrexone for any indication, PT-141 will not work. Discuss alternative therapies with your specialist.
Mechanism: Competitive antagonism at MC4R receptor
!
Antihypertensive Medications
PT-141 may cause transient BP elevation. Use with caution in patients on ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers. Monitor BP before and after dosing. Additive effects with antihypertensives could lead to hypotension in some individuals.
Mechanism: Additive cardiovascular effects
!
Other Melanocortin Agonists
Do not combine PT-141 with other MC4R agonists (setmelanotide, etc.). Risk of excessive melanocortin stimulation leading to severe hypertension, tachycardia, and systemic effects.
Mechanism: Synergistic MC4R activation
i
PDE5 Inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra)
No direct pharmacokinetic interaction. PT-141 complements PDE5 inhibitors via different mechanism (central vs. peripheral). Many patients use both for enhanced effect. Monitor for additive cardiovascular effects; inform your specialist if combining.
Mechanism: Different pharmacological pathways (synergistic)
+
Alcohol
No pharmacokinetic interaction, but alcohol can reduce sexual desire and arousal — negating PT-141 efficacy. Avoid heavy alcohol intake (3+ drinks) 4 hours before planned dosing. Light alcohol consumption (1–2 drinks) is generally safe.
Mechanism: Pharmacodynamic — alcohol reduces CNS sexual response
FAQ

Common questions

How is PT-141 different from Viagra?
Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) work on blood vessels in the penis. PT-141 works on your brain—specifically the hypothalamus, which controls sexual desire and arousal. It's useful when blood flow isn't the issue, or when PDE5 inhibitors haven't been effective. It works through an entirely different neurological pathway.
How is it administered?
PT-141 comes as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin), similar to an insulin pen. You self-inject a small dose (0.84mg) about 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. The injections are quick and use very fine needles. Your specialist will provide detailed training.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include facial flushing, nausea, and headache. These are typically mild and transient. More serious side effects are rare but can include changes in blood pressure or skin darkening. Your specialist will discuss all risks and contraindications during consultation.
Who is this for?
PT-141 is ideal for those who haven't responded to PDE5 inhibitors, prefer a brain-based approach, or have medical conditions where blood vessel medications aren't appropriate. It's also studied in female sexual dysfunction and works across genders. Your specialist will determine if it's right for you.
Is PT-141 legal in India?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is not currently approved by the Indian regulatory authority (DCGI) for domestic sale. However, it can be prescribed off-label by licensed physicians and imported for personal medical use. Through arq, a specialist will evaluate your case and discuss whether PT-141 is appropriate, including regulatory and import considerations specific to your situation.
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