§ 01 Overview
Overview
Nine-amino-acid neuropeptide with established FDA approval for labor induction and milk letdown, plus extensive off-label use as an intranasal compound for social bonding, anxiety, and trauma-related applications.
Pitocin FDA-approved decades ago for obstetric use. Intranasal use is off-label and research-grade; multiple small RCTs in autism and PTSD have produced mixed results.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide released from the posterior pituitary. At the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) it drives uterine contraction and myoepithelial cell contraction in the mammary gland. Centrally, OXTR activity modulates social cognition, pair bonding, and anxiety via effects on amygdala, NAcc, and PFC circuits.
- 01FDA-approved for labor induction and post-partum hemorrhage control
- 02Increasing off-label research in social anxiety, autism, and PTSD
- 03Anxiolytic and pro-social effects in small intranasal trials
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Vial
- 10 USP Units/ml (brand); compounded intranasal varies
- BAC Water
- Ready-to-use or per compound
- Dose Range
- Obstetric: IV per label. Intranasal off-label: 20–40 IU per dose
- Route
- Intranasal
- Timing
- Pre-social event (off-label) or per obstetric protocol
- Frequency
- As-needed or per trial protocol
- Cycle
- Short courses in research settings
Storage
Refrigerate.
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
Pitocin FDA-approved decades ago for obstetric use. Intranasal use is off-label and research-grade; multiple small RCTs in autism and PTSD have produced mixed results.
FDA Status
FDA-approved (Pitocin) for obstetric indications. Intranasal/off-label use via compounding.
§ 06 News
In the news
6 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
Fears for safety as influencers push synthetic peptides - RNZ
Fears for safety as influencers push synthetic peptides RNZ
Oxytocin (the Love Hormone): Benefits and How to Increase Levels - Dr. Axe
Oxytocin (the Love Hormone): Benefits and How to Increase Levels Dr. Axe
Development and characterisation of novel oxytocin analogues for PET imaging - Nature
Development and characterisation of novel oxytocin analogues for PET imaging Nature
Breast Cancer and Autism: Visualisation of the oxytocin receptor enables new theranostic approaches - Universität Wien
Breast Cancer and Autism: Visualisation of the oxytocin receptor enables new theranostic approaches Universität Wien
Fluorescent Peptide Tracers for Simultaneous Oxytocin Receptor Activation and Visualization - Wiley Online Library
Fluorescent Peptide Tracers for Simultaneous Oxytocin Receptor Activation and Visualization Wiley Online Library
Oxytocin Enhances Demethylation Through TET Enzyme Expression in Neurons of Aged Mice: Oxytocin as a Potential Antiaging Peptide - Wiley Online Library
Oxytocin Enhances Demethylation Through TET Enzyme Expression in Neurons of Aged Mice: Oxytocin as a Potential Antiaging Peptide Wiley Online Library
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
Compoundable via 503A/503B
This compound has a 503A/503B compounding pathway. State-licensed compounding pharmacies can prepare it with a valid prescription.
No suppliers in our directory currently stock this compound. For investigational or research-only compounds, legitimate channels may not exist outside clinical trials.
Browse full supplier directory§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Nasal irritation (intranasal)
- 02Hyponatremia at high sustained doses
- 03Uterine hyperstimulation (IV, obstetric)
Contraindications
- 01Pregnancy (non-obstetric use)
- 02Cardiovascular disease
- 03Hyponatremia risk with sustained high doses
§ 10 Questions
Oxytocin FAQ
- What is Oxytocin?
- Nine-amino-acid neuropeptide with established FDA approval for labor induction and milk letdown, plus extensive off-label use as an intranasal compound for social bonding, anxiety, and trauma-related applications. Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide released from the posterior pituitary. At the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) it drives uterine contraction and myoepithelial cell contraction in the mammary gland. Centrally, OXTR activity modulates social cognition, pair bonding, and anxiety via effects on amygdala, NAcc, and PFC circuits.
- What is Oxytocin used for?
- Reported uses include fda-approved for labor induction and post-partum hemorrhage control, increasing off-label research in social anxiety, autism, and ptsd, and anxiolytic and pro-social effects in small intranasal trials. Evidence strength is rated Established — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is Oxytocin dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is Obstetric: IV per label. Intranasal off-label: 20–40 IU per dose, typically as-needed or per trial protocol, administered Intranasal. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- How do you reconstitute Oxytocin?
- For Oxytocin, vials commonly come in 10 USP Units/ml (brand); compounded intranasal varies and a common reconstitution is Ready-to-use or per compound. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert any vial size and water volume into exact insulin-syringe units.
- What are the side effects of Oxytocin?
- Commonly reported side effects include nasal irritation (intranasal), hyponatremia at high sustained doses, and uterine hyperstimulation (iv, obstetric). This list is not exhaustive.
- Is Oxytocin legal?
- This compound has a 503A/503B compounding pathway. State-licensed compounding pharmacies can prepare it with a valid prescription. FDA status: FDA-approved (Pitocin) for obstetric indications. Intranasal/off-label use via compounding..
§ 11 References
Selected references
- 01
Pitocin FDA label
NDA 018261
- 02
Meta-analysis — intranasal OT in autism
Mol Autism 2019, PMID: 30867894