IPT-141

What is IPT-141?

IPT-141, more commonly known as PT-141 or Bremelanotide, is a synthetic peptide that works as a melanocortin receptor agonist. Unlike drugs like Viagra or Cialis, which primarily target the vascular system to increase blood flow, PT-141 works on the central nervous system. It stimulates melanocortin receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating sexual desire and arousal.

The FDA has approved a version of Bremelanotide (branded as Vyleesi) to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. However, its use for other conditions, such as erectile dysfunction in men, is considered "off-label" and is not an FDA-approved use.

Side Effects and Benefits

Benefits:

• Increased Sexual Desire: PT-141 is known for its ability to increase libido in both men and women.

• Improved Sexual Performance: By increasing sexual desire, it can also lead to improved sexual performance.

• Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction (ED): In men, it can help achieve an erection by triggering nitric oxide release, which relaxes penile muscles and increases blood flow.

• Treatment for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD): This is the FDA-approved use for premenopausal women.

Side Effects:

Common side effects often include:

• Nausea (this is the most common, and can be severe with the first dose)

• Flushing or hot flashes (redness or warmth in the face and upper body)

• Headaches

• Pain, itching, swelling, or bruising at the injection site

Less common or more severe side effects can include:

• Vomiting

• Dizziness

• Tingling sensations

• High blood pressure and slowed heart rate (usually temporary, but can be serious for people with cardiovascular issues)

• Darkening of the skin or gums (hyperpigmentation), which can be permanent.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unique Mechanism of Action: It addresses sexual dysfunction by acting on the brain's desire centers, which can be more effective for individuals who don't respond to blood flow-enhancing medications.

• Can be used by both sexes: It is one of the few treatments that can address sexual dysfunction in both men and women.

• Fast-acting: It can take effect within 30 to 60 minutes.

Cons:

• Limited FDA Approval: The only FDA-approved use is for HSDD in premenopausal women. Its use for men or other conditions is not approved.

• Potential for Abuse: Due to its effects on libido and sexual performance, there is a potential for misuse.

• Uncertain Long-Term Effects: There is limited research on the long-term effects of using PT-141, and desensitization of the melanocortin system over time is a possibility.

• Potential for Severe Side Effects: While many side effects are mild, more serious side effects like severe nausea or blood pressure changes can occur.

Dosage and Frequency

Dosage and frequency can vary widely and should only be determined by a healthcare professional. For men, a typical starting dose is around 1.75 mg to 2 mg per dose. For women, the dosage is similar. It is usually administered via subcutaneous injection (under the skin). The frequency is typically limited to no more than one dose per 24 hours and a maximum of 8 doses per month. Some sources recommend using it no more than two to three times per week.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-Life: The half-life of PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is approximately 1.85 to 2.09 hours after intranasal administration.

• Detection Time: Information on the specific detection time of PT-141 in drug tests is not widely available. However, because it is a peptide and not an anabolic steroid or a common recreational drug, it is not typically included in standard drug screening panels. Detection windows for peptides can vary significantly depending on the type of test (urine, blood, hair) and the individual's metabolism, but they are generally short.

Sterogenic, Progestronic, and Prolactin Effects

• Sterogenic/Progestronic: PT-141 is a peptide and is not a steroid or progestin. It does not have sterogenic or progestronic effects, meaning it does not directly impact testosterone, estrogen, or progesterone levels.

• Prolactin: There is no significant evidence to suggest that PT-141 directly impacts prolactin levels. Prolactin is a hormone primarily associated with lactation and, when elevated in men, can cause issues like low libido. Since PT-141 aims to increase libido, it's unlikely to have a prolactin-raising effect.

Anabolic Androgenic Ratio

The anabolic and androgenic ratio is a measure used to compare the muscle-building (anabolic) effects of a substance to its masculinizing (androgenic) effects. This ratio is specifically used for anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Since PT-141 is a peptide and not a steroid, it does not have an anabolic or androgenic ratio.