Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a nonapeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. It binds oxytocin receptors to drive uterine contraction and milk letdown peripherally, and modulates social, affiliative, and stress-related circuits centrally. Intranasal delivery is used in research to target central effects, though the extent of brain penetration and the reproducibility of behavioral effects remain debated. Its plasma half-life is only a few minutes.
Onset and duration vary by individual; see the mechanism and half-life above.
Store the lyophilized powder refrigerated (2 to 8 C), or frozen for long-term storage, protected from light. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated and use within about 4 weeks.
Clinical Evidence
What the literature says
Scientific Overview
According to PubMed, a small randomized trial found intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) reduced salivary cortisol and improved eye-gaze in males with fragile X syndrome (Hall SS et al., Psychoneuroendocrinology 2011). However, a randomized crossover trial of intranasal oxytocin for female sexual dysfunction found that oxytocin and placebo both improved symptoms with no significant treatment effect (Muin DA et al., Fertil Steril 2015), so the off-label sexual-health evidence is weak. The injectable obstetric use is well established by its label.
Pharmacokinetics
- Half-life (t½)
- 6 min
- Approximate plasma half-life
- Routes
- IntravenousIntramuscularIntranasal
Citations (3)
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15
Research Guide
How users approach this compound
The following reflects patterns observed in research literature and community protocols. This is not medical advice and does not constitute a clinical recommendation.
Research Protocols
Common DosagesObstetric (label, IV)
“Hospital use only; see Pitocin label”
Research intranasal (off-label)
“Investigational; not an approved route or indication”
Dosages listed are common research protocols found in peer-reviewed literature and clinical trials. Individual results and requirements may vary significantly in a research context.
Reported Uses
Key Research Benefits
- Approved injectable use for labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage control
- Research interest in social bonding and anxiety reduction (intranasal, off-label)
- Studied for sexual function, though controlled data are mixed
Potential Side Effects
Considerations and Cautions
- Obstetric contraindications per the injectable label (e.g., cephalopelvic disproportion, fetal distress where delivery is not imminent)
- Hypersensitivity to oxytocin
- Caution with water intoxication risk during prolonged IV use
Labs to monitor
Educational context only, not a testing mandate. Any bloodwork decisions belong with your clinician.
- Obstetric monitoring: Approved IV use requires fetal and uterine monitoring and fluid balance (clinical setting).
- Study-specific endpoints: Off-label research use has no standardized clinical labs; outcomes are behavioral or questionnaire-based.
Dose Calculator
Peptide Reconstitution Calculator
Total amount of peptide in the vial.
Volume of water used to mix.
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or 0.10 mL on a U-100 syringe
Oxytocin by goal
Read Oxytocin's profile filtered through specific research goals.
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Not medical advice
Information on DoseVault is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.