From the Research
The recommended dose of PT-141 (bremelanotide) is 1.75 mg administered as a subcutaneous injection in the abdomen or thigh, taken as needed approximately 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. This medication should not be used more than once in 24 hours or more than 8 times per month. PT-141 is FDA-approved for premenopausal women diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, though it is sometimes used off-label for men. The medication works by activating melanocortin receptors in the brain, particularly MC3R and MC4R, which play a role in sexual arousal and desire. Common side effects include nausea, flushing, headache, and injection site reactions. Blood pressure increases may occur after injection, so patients with uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease should avoid this medication. For best results, patients should follow proper injection technique and be aware that alcohol may increase the risk of low blood pressure when combined with PT-141. According to the most recent study 1, bremelanotide has been shown to improve desire, arousal, and orgasm scores in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
Key points to consider when prescribing PT-141 include:
- The medication should be used as needed, approximately 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity
- The maximum dose is 1.75 mg per administration, and it should not be used more than once in 24 hours or more than 8 times per month
- Patients with uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease should avoid this medication due to the risk of blood pressure increases
- Proper injection technique is essential to minimize the risk of adverse effects, such as injection site reactions
- Patients should be aware of the potential for increased risk of low blood pressure when combining PT-141 with alcohol, as noted in studies 2, 3, 4.
It is also important to note that while PT-141 has been studied in men with erectile dysfunction, the current recommended dose and administration are based on studies in premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, as seen in studies 1, 3, 4.