Oxytocin
Also known as Syntocinon, Pitocin
The "love hormone" — involved in childbirth, breastfeeding and bonding. As a medicine it's used in hospitals during labour.
Quick facts
- Status
- Approved medicine in the EU and US
- Evidence
- Approved (obstetrics); mixed evidence for other uses
- Taken as
- Drip or injection in hospital; nasal spray in research
- Common sizes
- 5 mg, 10 mg
- Category
- Hormone
How it works
It makes the womb contract and lets milk flow. In the brain it influences trust and social behaviour.
What it’s used for
- Starting or speeding up labour (approved)
- Stopping bleeding after birth (approved)
- Social connection, anxiety or autism (experimental nasal spray)
What the research shows
- Well established in childbirth.
- Results for social and mental health uses are mixed.
Side effects & risks
- In labour: too-strong contractions and low blood sodium
- Outside hospital use: poorly studied
Is it legal?
Approved prescription medicine in the EU, UK and US for obstetric use. Intranasal use for social or psychiatric purposes is experimental.
Storage & safe handling
- Only use as prescribed and supervised by a doctor.
- Store exactly as described in the patient leaflet.
- Use a new sterile needle every time and dispose of it in a sharps container.
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Sources: EMA/national product information for Syntocinon; FDA prescribing information for Pitocin.
Last updated 12 October 2026. Information — not medical advice. PepTimer does not replace a doctor. Many peptides are not approved medicines in the EU, UK or US. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing or stopping any treatment.
Last updated 12 October 2026. Information — not medical advice. PepTimer does not replace a doctor. Many peptides are not approved medicines in the EU, UK or US. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing or stopping any treatment.