Immune Protocol
Magainin-2Complete Dosing & Administration Guide
Amphipathic 23-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide from Xenopus laevis skin — the founding member of the magainin family discovered by Michael Zasloff at NIH in 1987, operating through the toroidal pore membrane disruption model with broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whose synthetic derivative Pexiganan (MSI-78) advanced to Phase III clinical trials for diabetic foot ulcers
Dose Range
1-5mg
Frequency
Multiple times daily
Route
Topical application (primary clinical route)
Cycle Length
4-6 weeks
Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
0.5-1% topical cream or 1-2 mg in research solution
Begin with low-concentration topical formulation for initial tolerability assessment. Pexiganan was studied at 1% and 2% cream concentrations in clinical trials. Apply thin layer to clean wound bed or infection site. In vitro research typically uses MIC-range concentrations (1-40 µg/mL for Pexiganan). Monitor for local irritation. This is an investigational compound — use under research supervision.
Standard Dose
1% topical cream (10 mg/g) or 2-3 mg in research solution
Standard clinical concentration from Phase III trials. Pexiganan 1% cream applied twice daily to mildly infected diabetic foot ulcers for up to 14 days demonstrated efficacy comparable to oral ofloxacin. Ensure wound bed is clean and debrided before application. Cover with non-adherent wound dressing. Monitor wound healing progress and signs of infection resolution.
Advanced Dose
2% topical cream (20 mg/g) or 5 mg in research solution
Higher concentration for recalcitrant wound infections or biofilm-involved infections. Pexiganan 2% cream was evaluated in clinical studies with maintained safety profile. Higher concentrations may enhance biofilm penetration and eradication. Extended treatment for chronic wounds. Monitor for increased local irritation. Combination with systemic antibiotics may be warranted for complex infections.
Timing
Best time to take
Apply Magainin-2 to clean, dry skin. For best results, use consistently at the same time(s) each day. Evening application is often preferred to allow overnight absorption, unless otherwise directed.
With food?
As a topical product, Magainin-2 is not affected by food intake. Apply to clean skin and allow adequate absorption time before covering the area.
If stacking
Magainin-2 should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
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Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Magainin-2 in its prescribed form
- •Clean, dry storage container
- •Measuring device if applicable (oral syringe, measuring cup)
- •Calendar or reminder app for dosing schedule
Injection
Route
Magainin-2 is administered Topical application (primary clinical route)—no injection required
Best sites
- •Not applicable—this is not an injectable formulation
Technique
- 1.Follow the specific administration instructions for your Magainin-2 formulation
- 2.Take or apply as directed by your healthcare provider
- 3.Store properly between uses according to package instructions
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Magainin-2 demonstrates favorable safety in topical antimicrobial wound care studies with minimal systemic absorption through intact skin. Local tissue irritation minimal at therapeutic concentrations (0.1-1% w/w); hemolytic activity negligible at concentrations <10 μM. No serious adverse events in Phase II wound healing trials. Peptide stability dependent on formulation pH; activity preserved at physiologic pH. Resistance development slower than traditional antibiotics.
Antimicrobial mechanism confirmed through electron microscopy demonstrating membrane pore formation in Gram-negative bacteria. MIC values of 2-10 μM for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus documented via broth microdilution assays. Wound healing studies using histopathology show accelerated re-epithelialization with faster collagen deposition. Safety dermatology testing confirms non-irritant status per OECD 404 at concentrations up to 2%.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Application site burning/stinging
Mild burning or stinging sensation at the topical application site, lasting 5-15 minutes after application. Reported in 5-10% of patients in Phase III trials.
Management: Self-limiting and resolves quickly. Cool compresses if needed. Does not require discontinuation of treatment.
Local erythema
Mild redness and warmth surrounding the application site, indicating local immune activation and vasodilation.
Management: Normal inflammatory response — often indicates active immune engagement with the infection. Monitor for progression. Resolves as treatment continues.
Mild pruritus
Itching at wound margins, more common during the healing phase as epithelial migration and nerve regeneration occur.
Management: Avoid scratching to prevent wound disruption. Cool compresses. Antihistamine cream at wound margins (not on wound bed) if needed.
Increased wound exudate
Transient increase in wound drainage in the first 24-48 hours as bacteria are killed and cellular debris is released.
Management: Change dressings more frequently. Normal response to bacterial killing. Should decrease by day 3-4 of treatment.
Less Common
- •Contact sensitization
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Magainin-2
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Magainin-2 should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
With medications
- !High concentrations of divalent cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) in wound care products — can reduce electrostatic binding of cationic magainin to bacterial membranes - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Anionic wound dressings or polyanion-containing products (alginate, hyaluronic acid at high concentrations) — may sequester cationic magainin peptides - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Topical corticosteroids at the same site — may impair the local immune activation that magainin promotes - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Magainin-2. Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Want the Full Picture?
View the complete Magainin-2 research profile including mechanism of action, clinical studies, effectiveness timeline, and FAQ.
View Full Magainin-2 Profile