Hormonal
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a nine-amino-acid neuropeptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. It mediates uterine contractions during labor, milk ejection during lactation, and modulates social bonding, trust, and empathetic behavior through central receptor activation. Synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) is FDA-approved for labor induction, and intranasal formulations are investigated for social cognition and psychiatric applications.
Quick Facts
Also known asPitocin, Syntocinon
CategoryHormonal
Half-life20 minutes
Routesintravenous, intramuscular, intranasal, oral
Molecular weight1007.19 Da
Chain length9 amino acids
SequenceCys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2
FDA statusApproved
Storage2-8°C (refrigerated). Reconstituted: 28 days.
Dosing Protocols
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route | Cycle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Induction | continuous IV infusion | intravenous | Continuous | 0.5-2 mU/min initial, titrate 1-2 mU/min every 30-60 min. Clinical setting only. Dose in mU/min. | |
| Postpartum Hemorrhage Prevention | single dose | intramuscular | Continuous | 10 units IM or 10-40 units in IV solution after placental delivery. Dose in IU. | |
| Social Anxiety / Bonding (Intranasal) | 1x/day or before social situations | intranasal | Continuous | 20-24 IU intranasal spray, 3-4 sprays per nostril. Dose in IU. | |
| Autism Research (Intranasal) | 2x/day | intranasal | Continuous | 24-48 IU daily split AM/PM. Dose in IU. Research only. | |
| PTSD Augmentation (Intranasal) | before therapy sessions | intranasal | Continuous | 40 IU intranasal spray before therapy sessions. Dose in IU. | |
| Sexual Function (Intranasal) | as needed | intranasal | Continuous | 24-40 IU intranasal 30-45 minutes before activity. Dose in IU. | |
| General Wellness (Sublingual) | 1x/day | oral | Continuous | 50-100 IU sublingual troche once daily. Dose in IU. |
Protocols shown are for informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Track Your Oxytocin Protocol
Log doses, manage vial inventory, set injection reminders, and visualize blood concentration levels.
Start Tracking — FreeCommon Questions
What is the typical dose of Oxytocin?
A common dose for Oxytocin is continuous IV infusion via intravenous. 0.5-2 mU/min initial, titrate 1-2 mU/min every 30-60 min. Clinical setting only. Dose in mU/min.
What is the half-life of Oxytocin?
The half-life of Oxytocin is approximately 20 minutes. This determines how long the peptide remains active in your body and influences dosing frequency.
How should I store Oxytocin?
Store Oxytocin at 2-8°C (refrigerated). FDA-approved pharmaceutical (Pitocin for injection, Syntocinon nasal spray). Intranasal formulations should be refrigerated. Disulfide bond makes the cyclic structure sensitive to reducing conditions. Once reconstituted, use within 28 days.
Is Oxytocin FDA approved?
Yes, Oxytocin has FDA approval for specific medical indications.
References
- Intranasal Oxytocin for Obesity - 61 adults, 8 weeks (2024) (article)
- Oxytocin Effects on Social Cognition in Schizophrenia (2023) (pubmed)
- Intranasal Oxytocin in Autism Spectrum Disorder - 290 children, NEJM (2021) (article)
- Oxytocin Augmented Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD (2019) (pubmed)
- Chronic Intranasal Oxytocin Effects on Male Sexual Function (2012) (pubmed)