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BigPeptideList

Oxytocin

FDA Approved

Neuropeptides · Social & Bonding

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus.

What is Oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus. Known as the "love hormone," it plays key roles in social bonding, trust, empathy, sexual reproduction, and maternal behavior. It is FDA-approved for labor induction and increasingly studied for autism, anxiety, and PTSD.

Also known as: Love hormone, Bonding hormone

How Does Oxytocin Work?

Binds to oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in the brain and peripheral tissues. In the brain, it modulates social behavior, trust, anxiety, and emotional processing. Peripherally, it stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection. Also interacts with vasopressin, dopamine, and serotonin systems.

What is Oxytocin Used For?

  • Labor induction
  • Social bonding enhancement
  • Anxiety reduction
  • Autism spectrum research

Potential Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Nasal irritation (intranasal)
  • Uterine hyperstimulation (obstetric)

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Contraindicated obstetric scenarios

FDA Legal Status

United States — FDA

FDA Approved

This peptide requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can oxytocin nasal spray improve social skills?
Research shows mixed results. Some studies in autism and social anxiety show improved emotional recognition and trust. However, effects are inconsistent and context-dependent. It does not universally improve social behavior and may even increase in-group/out-group bias.

Quick Facts

Legal Status (USA)
FDA Approved
Evidence Rating
AStrong Evidence (Multiple RCTs)
Class / Subclass
Neuropeptides / Social & Bonding
Administration
intravenous, nasal, intramuscular
Typical Dosage
20-40 IU nasal spray (research); variable IV (obstetric)
Half-Life
~3-5 minutes (IV); ~50 minutes (nasal)
Brand Names
Pitocin, Syntocinon
Year Discovered
1906
Approval Year
1980

Sources

PubMed 17336549

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Sources & references

Primary sources used for the dosing, mechanism, side-effect, and regulatory claims on this page. Verify time-sensitive information (regulatory status, prescribing details) on the source before relying on it for medical decisions. See our disclaimer.

  1. PubMed PMID 17336549 — peer-reviewed primary literature on Oxytocin.
  2. FDA Drugs@FDA database — search for the current FDA-approved label, indications, and prescribing information for Oxytocin.
  3. FDA Federal Register — official notice record for FDA regulatory actions and Category 1 / 503A bulk-substance updates.