Peptide library / Sexual & reproductive / Oxytocin
Oxytocin
A nine amino acid hormone used to start labor and control bleeding after birth.
Effects studied or claimed
What it is used or promoted for, and where each effect has actually been seen
- Labour induction and postpartum bleedingFDA approved
- Social behavior and autism, studiedLarge trials
How it is thought to work
Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract and triggers milk letdown. In the brain it influences social bonding.
What the evidence shows
Obstetric use is well established. Trials of intranasal oxytocin for social symptoms in autism have shown inconsistent results.
Safety and unknowns
Excessive contractions and water retention can occur with obstetric use.
Regulatory status
FDA-approved as Pitocin in 1980.
Regulatory status changes quickly. This entry was last reviewed on 27 October 2026. Confirm current status with the FDA before relying on it.
More in Sexual & reproductive
Atosiban
FDA-approvedAn oxytocin receptor blocker used to delay preterm labor in Europe.
Aviptadil
FDA-approvedA synthetic version of vasoactive intestinal peptide, used by injection with phentolamine for erectile dysfunction in some countries.
Nafarelin
FDA-approvedA nasal-spray GnRH agonist for endometriosis and early puberty.
General information, not medical advice. Do not buy or inject unregulated peptides.