Oxytocin
Also known as: Ocitocina
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Cyclic hormonal neuropeptide with a disulfide bond. Naturally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the neurohypophysis. Researched for its effects on social bonding, anxiolytic properties, uterine contraction, and milk ejection.
Approved by the FDA as Pitocin for labor induction and augmentation and postpartum hemorrhage control. Used clinically for decades as the reference uterotonic agent.
Oxytocin has two clearly distinct clinical axes: the obstetric axis — labor induction, contraction augmentation, and postpartum hemorrhage control — and the behavioral axis, researched in social bonding, anxiety, autism, and affective spectrum disorders, predominantly via intranasal administration. Plasma half-life is very short (3-5 minutes IV; ~20 minutes intranasal), and behavioral effects are context-dependent.
For obstetric use it is approved by the FDA, EMA, and ANVISA as Pitocin/Syntocinon, administered intravenously in hospital settings for decades. For behavioral and anxiolytic use, intranasal administration is off-label and follows research protocols, often accessed through compounding pharmacies. WADA does not classify it as a substance prohibited in sports.
CYIQNCPLG Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly Half-life
~3-5 minutes (IV), ~20 min (intranasal)
Administration Route
Intranasal or subcutaneous
Category
Hormonal Regulation
Mechanism of Action
- Oxytocin receptor (OXTR) agonism
- Promotion of social bonding and interpersonal trust
- Anxiolytic effect via amygdala modulation
- Stimulation of uterine contractions
- Breast milk ejection (let-down reflex)
- Modulation of the HPA axis and stress response
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 10-40 IU intranasal or 50-200 mcg subcutaneous |
| Frequency | 1-2 times daily |
| Timing | According to research protocol |
| Duration | As needed or 2-4 weeks in research |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Flushing
Product Properties
| Purity | >99% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Contains disulfide bond — protect from light, moisture, and reducing agents. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Oxytocin found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 1 ml per vial
- Inject the diluent slowly against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until completely dissolved
- Never shake
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 14 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
- Peptide sensitive to degradation - use promptly
Scientific Studies
Published studies on Oxytocin.
Related Peptides
Argipressin
5-20 IU or 1-4 mcg/kg · As clinically needed
Cetrorelix
0.25-3 mg per injection · Once daily (0.25 mg) or single dose (3 mg)
Gonadorelin
100-200 mcg per injection · 2-3 times per week
HCG
250-500 IU per injection · 2-3 times per week
Kisspeptin-10
1-10 mcg per injection · Per research protocol
α-MSH
0.5-2 mg per injection · Once daily or every other day