Oxytocin
Oxytocin
Also known as: Pitocin, Syntocinon
A natural hormone that is FDA-approved for labor and is also studied, with mixed results, for social, bonding, and psychiatric effects.
Overview
Oxytocin is a nine-amino-acid hormone made in the hypothalamus, best known for its roles in labor, breastfeeding, and social bonding. It is FDA-approved as an injectable (Pitocin) to induce or support labor and control postpartum bleeding, where the evidence is strong. Intranasal oxytocin has been studied for autism, anxiety, and social behavior, but those results are mixed and it is not approved for them.
Mechanism of action
Activates oxytocin receptors to stimulate uterine contraction and milk let-down, and modulates social and emotional processing in the brain.
Key studies & citations
- Review2019
Prophylactic oxytocin for the third stage of labour to prevent postpartum haemorrhage
Prophylactic oxytocin compared with no uterotonic probably reduces postpartum blood loss and the need for additional uterotonics.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - Human2021
Pitocin (oxytocin injection, USP): prescribing information
FDA-approved label: IV infusion or IM injection to induce or improve uterine contractions for delivery and to control postpartum bleeding.
U.S. FDA (Drugs@FDA label) - Human2021
Intranasal oxytocin in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
24-week Phase 2 RCT in 290 children: no significant difference from placebo on social withdrawal (least-squares mean difference minus 0.2) or secondary social and cognitive measures.
New England Journal of Medicine - Review2017
Oxytocin and autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Meta-analysis of 12 RCTs found no significant effect of oxytocin on social cognition or repetitive behaviors despite positive individual studies.
Pharmacopsychiatry
Frequently asked questions
Does oxytocin work for social or bonding effects?
It is approved and effective for labor. Its intranasal use for social behavior, autism, and anxiety has been studied but the results are inconsistent, and it is not approved for those uses.