Oxytocin
Approved medicineThe FDA has approved a version of this as a medicine, so it has been through large studies in people.
Also called Pitocin / Syntocinon
An approved hospital drug used in childbirth. Also studied for social behavior and bonding.
Can a doctor prescribe this?
Yes. Pharmacies are allowed to make it, so a doctor can write a prescription for it.
The FDA has approved a version of this as a medicine.
An approved prescription drug. Compounded intranasal forms are a separate and less settled question.
Official status: On the 503A bulks list. Checked 2026-08-04.
Lab suppliers we list: 11
Doses used in research
Taken word for word from the studies and trials listed on this page. This is not a recommendation and not a dose for anyone to take.
In human trials
See source wording
into a vein
Oxytocin, Carbetocin and Misopristol for Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Multicentric Randomized TrialNA · NCT01600612
“10 ug of carbetocin will be given intravenously to patients with atonic postpartum hemorrhage.”
24 IU
nasal spray
The Influence of Oxytocin on the Processing of Social ContactPHASE1 · NCT01939639
“24 IU Oxytocin, intranasal application 45 min prior to the experiment.”
See source wording
nasal spray
The Interaction Between Oxytocin and SerotoninNA · NCT03577457
“intranasal administration of oxytocin (24 IU).”
1.9 mg
single dose
Identification and Clinical Relevance of an Oxytocin Deficient State (Melatonin Study)NA · NCT05319301
“A single dose of melatonin (1.9 mg).”
See source wording
nasal spray
Dose-dependent Effects of Oxytocin on the Amygdala and Reward SystemPHASE1 · NCT03846739
“Oxytocin & Placebo, 6 IU.”
See source wording
nasal spray · three times per day · for 56 week
Phase 3 Study of Intranasal Carbetocin (LV-101) in Patients With Prader-Willi SyndromePHASE3 · NCT03649477
“3.2 mg intranasal carbetocin.”
See source wording
into a vein
The Role of Oxytocin in Regulating Blood GlucoseNA · NCT06334172
“Oxytocin 0.1 IU/min.”
See source wording
by mouth · for 8 weeks
Bryophyllum Versus Placebo for Overactive BladderPHASE2 · NCT01127126
“Comparison Bryophyllum (2100mg/d) against Placebo (2100mg/d) regarding effectivity and safety.”
24 IU
nasal spray · for 5 days
Intranasal Oxytocin and Learning in AutismPHASE2 · NCT01417026
“Subjects will be randomized to 24 IU intranasal oxytocin or placebo for a 5 day period with concomitant game play of computer games, which are designed to enhance face perception skills.”
See source wording
into a vein
Effects Of Intravenous Oxytocin On Peripheral Sensory Afferents Using MicroneurographyPHASE2 · NCT07409753
“Intravenous oxytocin, 20 IU will be administered via two 30-minute infusions separated by 30 minutes.”
100 mcg
for 2 hours
Comparing the Dose-response Profiles of Uterotonics After Initial Carbetocin Administration - an Ex-vivo Study in Desensitized Human MyometriumNA · NCT06285409
“Carbetocin first bolus 10-8 M (equivalent to 100 mcg) will be added to the muscle bath to create ex-vivo environment similar to Cesarean delivery, and after 20 minutes the baths will be washed three time with physiological salt solution (PSS)..”
See source wording
nasal spray · twice daily · for 7 days
Intranasal Oxytocin for Methamphetamine Withdrawal in WomenNA · NCT05760807
“Participants will receive oxytocin by intranasal spray under clinician supervision (1 insufflation equating to an active dose of 24 IU) twice daily (i.e., 48 IU per day), delivered over 7 days of a residential inpatient withdrawal admission.”
5 IU
into a vein · single dose
Induction of Labor in Term Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Comparison Between Oxytocin and Dinoprostone Followed Six Hours Later by OxytocinPHASE3 · NCT01099280
“SYNPITAN FORT 5 IU.”
See source wording
into a vein
The Effect of Neuraxial Analgesia on Maternal BreastfeedingNA · NCT01074190
“Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl..”
1000 mcg
into a vein
Effect of Misoprostol in Reducing Post Partum Hemorrhage After Labor Induction by OxytocinNA · NCT02983591
“Patients will receive 1000 mcg Misoprostol per rectum.”
40 IU
nasal spray · for 13 months
The Efficacy of a Single Dose of Intranasal Oxytocin in the Prevention of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)NA · NCT01039766
“A single intranasal administration of 40 IU of oxytocin will be given to patients up to 6 hours after a traumatic event, with consecutive follow up for 13 months..”
40 IU
nasal spray
Prolonged Exposure and OxytocinPHASE2 · NCT03238924
“40 IU oxytocin nasal spray, self-administered.”
See source wording
nasal spray
The Interaction Between Oxytocin and SerotoninNA · NCT03426176
“intranasal administration of oxytocin (24 IU).”
See source wording
into a vein
Carbetocin Versus Oxytocin and Ergometrine for the Prevention of Postpartum Haemorrhage Following Caesarean SectionPHASE4 · NCT02101567
“Pabal 100 mcg iv infusion over 1 minute given after delivery of fetal head.”
40 IU
nasal spray · for 14 days
Benefits of Oxytocin in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Patients Using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) MachinePHASE1 · NCT03860233
“40 IU administered intranasal, within 1 hour prior to sleeping for 14 days.”
See source wording
nasal spray
Neuropeptides and Social BehaviorEARLY_PHASE1 · NCT01680718
“Through the use of 1oz bottles attached with metered nasal pumps (1 puff = .1ml), participants will self-administer 24 IU oxytocin (Syntocinon, Novartis Pharmaceuticals).”
See source wording
Carbetocin at Elective Cesarean DeliveryNA · NCT01262742
“80mcg carbetocin, IV, over 1 minute following delivery of the fetal head..”
20 mg
by mouth
Does Oral Propranolol Accelerate Labor Induction/Augmentation With Oxytocin in Nulliparous Women in Abakaliki?NA · NCT05251610
“20mg oral propranolol and oxytocin.”
40 IU
nasal spray
Oxytocin to Treat PTSDPHASE2 · NCT04228289
“40 IU intranasal spray.”
See source wording
into a vein
Oxytocin at Elective Cesarean Deliveries: A Dose-finding Study in Women With BMI ≥ 40kg/m2NA · NCT03957083
“Oxytocin 0.5IU.”
4 IU
nasal spray · every other day
Evaluation of Tolerance, Suckling and Food Intake After Repeated Nasals Administrations of Oxytocin in PWS InfantsPHASE1, PHASE2 · NCT02205034
“4IU of oxytocin every other day.”
See source wording
by mouth
Effects of MDMA Co-administration on the Response to LSD in Healthy SubjectsPHASE1 · NCT04516902
“A moderate dose of 100 μg LSD will be administered..”
10 IU
into a vein
PK Sampling After IV Oxytocin and Effects on Sensory Function in Healthy VolunteersPHASE4 · NCT03929367
“Oxytocin (Pitocin®), 10 IU.”
See source wording
nasal spray
Deciphering the Role of Oxytocin in Motivation: an fMRI StudyPHASE2 · NCT01722071
“Oxytocin intranasal administration, 24 IU, 3 puffs per nostril at 4 IU per puff delivered approximately 30 minutes prior to scanning session..”
See source wording
nasal spray
A Pharmaco-imaging Approach to Predicting Social Functioning and Clinical Responses to Oxytocin Administration in SchizophreniaPHASE2 · NCT03900754
“Dosages of oxytocin: 20IU or 40IU..”
See source wording
by mouth
Circulating Oxytocin Changes in Response to the Oxytocin System Stimulator MDMA in Patients With Diabetes Insipidus and Healthy ControlsNA · NCT04648137
“single administration of MDMA (100mg): 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) will be prepared as gelatin capsules with mannitol as the filler.”
24 IU
nasal spray
Oxytocin's Effects on Emotional Processing and Its Acting RoutesNA · NCT07425938
“intranasal administration of placebo (24 IU).”
See source wording
nasal spray
Evaluating Intranasal Oxytocin (TNX-1900) for Pain Relief and Recovery After Pituitary SurgeryPHASE2 · NCT07730294
“The dosage for low -dose intranasal oxytocin is set at 6 International Units (IU) per day, divided into two administrations of 3IU each per nostril.”
84 IU
nasal spray
Target Engagement for Oxytocin: Dose Ranging StudyNA · NCT02498236
“Oxytocin 6-84 IU.”
40 IU
nasal spray
Oxytocin MEG StudyEARLY_PHASE1 · NCT02568709
“40 IU of the oxytocin will be administered intranasally for a one time dose at the beginning of the visit..”
- Oral calcium carbonate as an adjunct to oxytocin infusion for labor induction: a randomized controlled pilot study on feasibility and acceptability.
Study in people
American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM · 2026
- Reproductive hormone stability with prolonged intranasal oxytocin in adults with obesity.
Study in people
International journal of obesity (2005) · 2026
- Oxytocin reduces anger bias, harm-intention recognition, and self-focus in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial.
Study in people
Frontiers in aging neuroscience · 2026
- Oxytocin substitution therapy in patients with AVP deficiency (central diabetes insipidus): study protocol of a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial.
Study in people
BMJ open · 2026
- The impact of intranasal oxytocin administration and social observation on time perception and task execution in a simple motor task.
Study in people
Psychological research · 2026
- Intranasal Oxytocin and Physical Intimacy for Dermatological Wound Healing and Neuroendocrine Stress: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Study in people
JAMA psychiatry · 2026
- Effects of intranasal oxytocin on fear extinction learning.
Study in people
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 2025
- Oxytocin does not impact forced-choice recognition memory in an experimental trauma film paradigm with healthy women.
Study in people
Frontiers in psychiatry · 2025
- Results of the RE-DINO multicenter randomized trial on the repeated use of vaginal dinoprostone (Propess®) for labor induction in patients at term.
Study in people
American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM · 2024
- Time-of-Day Impacts Uterine Circadian Rhythms and Response to Oxytocin: Comparison of Uterine Function in Melatonin-Deficient C57BL/6 Versus Melatonin Proficient CBA/B6 Hybrid Mice.
Animal study, rats or mice
Journal of pineal research · 2026
- Interaction between time-of-day and oxytocin efficacy in mice and humans with and without gestational diabetes.
Lab dish study
Molecular metabolism · 2026
- Interaction between time-of-day and oxytocin efficacy in mice and humans with and without gestational diabetes
Lab dish study
Journal not recorded · 2024
- Association between salivary oxytocin concentration and social loneliness in older adults: Findings from an uncontrolled pre-post multimodal intervention study.
Psychoneuroendocrinology · 2026
- The role of the oxytocinergic system in oral microbiome composition in children with autism: evidence from a randomized controlled trial of intranasal oxytocin.
Translational psychiatry · 2026
- Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhage Following Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Successfully Managed With the JADA® System.
Cureus · 2026
- Association of postpartum oxytocin dose and postpartum bleeding outcomes in nulliparous patients at term.
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology · 2025
- Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Double Priming Agents in Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labor in Nulliparas.
Cureus · 2025
- Access to oxytocin, misoprostol, heat-stable carbetocin and tranexamic acid for management of postpartum haemorrhage in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India and Kenya: a cross-sectional survey of drug availability and pricing.
BMJ open · 2025
- Before pregnancy trauma primes oxytocin receptor expression in placenta during superstorm sandy.
Comprehensive psychoneuroendocrinology · 2025
- Childhood Maltreatment, Labor Duration, and Intrapartum Synthetic Oxytocin Dose and Duration: A Potential Oxytocin-Linked Contributor to Labor Outcomes in Black Birthing People.
Journal of midwifery & women's health · 2025
- Assessing blood flow in uterine fibroids using intravoxel incoherent motion imaging compared with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.
Scientific reports · 2025
- Predicting oxytocin binding dynamics in receptor genetic variants through computational modeling.
npj women's health · 2025
- Oxytocin: Not "just a female hormone": A very special issue and a very special molecule.
Comprehensive psychoneuroendocrinology · 2024
- Understanding the effects of oxytocin receptor variants on OXT–OXT receptor binding: A mathematical model
Journal not recorded · 2024
- Labor induction in the age of TikTok: what are influencers teaching patients about oxytocin infusion?
American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM · 2023
- Oxytocin
Journal not recorded · 2006
- Time of day of induction impacts the total duration of labor.
Review of earlier work
American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM · 2026
- An Appraisal of Labor Augmentation: An Update on Current Evidence and Practice.
Review of earlier work
Maternal-fetal medicine (Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.) · 2026
- Objective monitoring of postpartum uterine activity: a systematic scoping review.
Review of earlier work
Frontiers in medicine · 2026
- Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin Across Various Depressive Disorders.
Review of earlier work
Psychiatry investigation · 2025
- Misoprostol Versus Oxytocin for Labor Induction in Term Prelabor Rupture of Membranes: A Systematic Review of Their Efficacy and Safety.
Review of earlier work
Cureus · 2025
- Oxytocin in old age psychiatry: A systematic review of the safety of using intranasal oxytocin in older adults.
Review of earlier work
Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists · 2025
- Postpartum Haemorrhage Burden, Management and Challenges in Malaysia: A Scoping Review and Expert Recommendations for Effective Management.
Review of earlier work
Cureus · 2025
- Oxytocin in neurodevelopmental disorders: Autism spectrum disorder and Prader-Willi syndrome.
Review of earlier work
Pharmacology & therapeutics · 2024
- Oxytocin and Women Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Review of earlier work
Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment · 2023