A to Z / Approved medicine

Oxytocin

Also known as Pitocin, Syntocinon, the love hormone.

Best known for An approved obstetric drug also used as a bonding nasal spray

Evidence★★★★☆

Safety dataModerately characterised

Route Injectable (approved) · nasal (unregulated supply)

United StatesFDA approved (obstetric)

AustraliaSchedule 4: ARTG-registered (obstetric)

as at 16 September 2026

What it is

Oxytocin is a nine-amino-acid hormone made in the hypothalamus. Medically it is an approved drug used to induce or augment labour and control postpartum bleeding. Culturally it is known as “the love hormone”, and it is widely available online as a nasal spray for bonding, trust and social connection.

What the full entry covers

The book carries the rest of this entry:

Where the research stands, with every claim cited
What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
Questions to discuss with your doctor
How it compares with Vasopressin, Kisspeptin-10, PT-141

Related entries

VasopressinThe critical care vasopressor · Evidence ★★★★★
Kisspeptin-10The upstream switch for reproductive hormones · Evidence ★★☆☆☆
PT-141The approved libido medicine, also used outside prescription · Evidence ★★★★☆

A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.

This page describes what is known and not known about Oxytocin. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.