SEXUAL HEALTH · PEPTIDE
What is Oxytocin?
Medically reviewed by the G1 Peptides clinical team · Updated October 1, 2026
THE SHORT ANSWER
Oxytocin is a natural hormone of nine amino acids made in the brain. It is FDA-approved to induce labour and control bleeding after childbirth, and it is studied for bonding, mood and sexual response.
Oxytocin at a glance
- Type
- Peptide
- Also known as
- Pitocin, Syntocinon
- Mechanism
- Oxytocin receptor agonist
- Status
- FDA-approved
- Half-life
- Minutes
- Route
- Subcutaneous (nasal / sublingual forms exist)
- Dosing range in the literature
- 50–200 mcg per dose
- Onset
- Minutes
- Storage
- Refrigerated (2–8 °C); use within the pharmacy beyond-use date
How Oxytocin works
It binds oxytocin receptors in the uterus, breast and brain. In the brain it is involved in social bonding, trust and sexual arousal.
What Oxytocin is studied for
- Bonding
- Sexual response
- Mood
Its obstetric uses are well established. Studies of social and sexual effects, mostly with nasal oxytocin, show mixed and often small results.
Being studied for something is not proof that it works. Results in individuals vary.
Oxytocin dosing
Published protocols describe 50–200 mcg per dose, as directed, given subcutaneous (nasal / sublingual forms exist). Onset is typically reported at minutes.
These figures are context from the literature, not instructions. A licensed provider sets the dose and schedule for each patient.
Oxytocin side effects and risks
- Headache
- Nausea
- Injection-site reactions
Tell your provider about every medication and condition before starting, and report anything unexpected. See peptide side effects and safety and who should not use peptides.
Is Oxytocin FDA approved?
FDA-approved as Pitocin for use in childbirth. Other uses are off-label.
Approval and trial status change. This page was last reviewed on October 1, 2026.
Oxytocin at G1 Peptides
G1 Peptides supplies Oxytocin as vials (10 mg) and in pens (Ares X). Prescription products ship only after a licensed provider has reviewed the order.
Oxytocin questions
- What is Oxytocin?
- Oxytocin is a natural hormone of nine amino acids made in the brain. It is FDA-approved to induce labour and control bleeding after childbirth, and it is studied for bonding, mood and sexual response.
- What is Oxytocin used for?
- Oxytocin is studied for bonding, sexual response, and mood. Its obstetric uses are well established. Studies of social and sexual effects, mostly with nasal oxytocin, show mixed and often small results.
- How does Oxytocin work?
- It binds oxytocin receptors in the uterus, breast and brain. In the brain it is involved in social bonding, trust and sexual arousal.
- Is Oxytocin FDA approved?
- FDA-approved as Pitocin for use in childbirth. Other uses are off-label.
- What is the typical Oxytocin dosage?
- Published protocols describe 50–200 mcg per dose, given subcutaneous (nasal / sublingual forms exist). This is context from the literature, not a recommendation: a licensed provider sets the dose.
- What are the side effects of Oxytocin?
- Risks noted for Oxytocin include headache, nausea, and injection-site reactions. Tell your provider about your medications and conditions before starting.
- What is the half-life of Oxytocin?
- The reported half-life is minutes. Onset is typically reported at minutes.
- How should Oxytocin be stored?
- Refrigerated (2–8 °C); use within the pharmacy beyond-use date.
For educational purposes only, and not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Nothing on this page is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use any compound only under the guidance of a licensed provider.