Posterior pituitary hormones
ATC code: H01BB02 (Oxytocin)
Brand names
Pitocin, Syntocinon
Synthetic analog of endogenous oxytocin — a posterior pituitary peptide hormone. Binds myometrial oxytocin receptors, which markedly upregulate near term. Causes rhythmic uterine contractions identical to labor. In breast tissue, it contracts alveolar myoepithelial cells, ejecting milk. Short half-life (3–5 minutes) allows precise titration via IV infusion.
First line
First-line for labor induction and augmentation per 2009/2021 and NG207. IV via infusion pump, start 1–2 mU/min and titrate every 15–30 minutes to adequate contractions (3–5 per 10 minutes). Max 30–40 mU/min. Hospital use only with continuous fetal and maternal monitoring – hyperstimulation with fetal distress risk.
First line
First-line for prevention and treatment of uterine atony postpartum hemorrhage per 2022 and FIGO 2018. Prophylaxis: 10 IU IM or 5 IU IV immediately after birth. Treatment: 20–40 IU in 1 L saline IV drip, combined with methylergometrine, misoprostol, or carboprost as needed. Tranexamic acid is added for persistent bleeding.
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
Not recommended
Oxytocin is a hormone used in medicine to induce labor and to manage postpartum hemorrhage. In psychotherapy and biohacker circles, nasal and injectable forms of oxytocin are marketed for relationships, intimacy, autism treatment, or anxiety reduction. International clinical guidelines do not support these uses. Laboratory findings on oxytocin's role in social behavior have not translated into reproducible clinical effects: a large double-blind placebo-controlled trial of oxytocin for autism (Sikich, NEJM 2021) showed no benefit. Oxytocin's approved uses are administered by an obstetrician under monitoring in hospital, because of risks of uterine hyperstimulation, hypotension, and water intoxication. If nasal oxytocin was recommended for relationships or anxiety, consider seeking a second opinion.
«Oxytocin for bonding and trust» — a marketed claim, not clinical.
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Used exclusively during labor and for postpartum hemorrhage. Contraindicated in early pregnancy.
Compatible with breastfeeding, supports milk ejection. Intranasal forms for lactation stimulation exist but are not first-line in current guidelines.
Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.
Oxytocin is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Postpartum hemorrhage (evidence tier A), Labor induction (evidence tier A), Stress and anxiety (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of Oxytocin (≥ 1 in 100): Nausea, vomiting, Maternal tachycardia, Headache, Uterine hyperstimulation. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
FDA category X. Used exclusively during labor and for postpartum hemorrhage. Contraindicated in early pregnancy.
Compatible with breastfeeding, supports milk ejection. Intranasal forms for lactation stimulation exist but are not first-line in current guidelines.
Oxytocin is contraindicated in: Cephalopelvic disproportion; Transverse fetal lie; Fetal distress before induction; Preeclampsia with uncontrolled severe hypertension; Uterine hypertonia. Full list in the Safety section.