Oxytocin
Mechanism of action
What Oxytocin does in the body — step by step.
Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released via the neurohypophysis.
Peripherally it acts at oxytocin receptors of the uterus (labour) and the mammary gland (milk ejection).
In the central nervous system it is investigated in the context of social behaviour, bonding, trust and stress regulation.
Research status
How far along is the evidence?
Known risks
Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:
Cited studies
Chronological — links lead to the source.
Frequently asked questions
What is Oxytocin?+
Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released via the neurohypophysis.
What type of peptide is Oxytocin?+
Oxytocin belongs to the Neuropeptide class.
What is Oxytocin used for?+
In research, Oxytocin has primarily been investigated in the context of: Cognition. These are research findings (evidence: early clinical studies), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.
Is Oxytocin legal in Germany?+
Oxytocin is prescription-only in Germany and may only be obtained with a medical prescription.
Is Oxytocin FDA-approved / legal in the US?+
Oxytocin is a prescription, FDA-approved medication in the US.
Is Oxytocin legal in Canada?+
Oxytocin is a prescription medication authorized by Health Canada.
Where can I buy Oxytocin?+
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Oxytocin is "prescription-only" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
What is the dosage of Oxytocin?+
Peptica publishes no dosing. Oxytocin is a prescription medicine — any dosing is determined individually by a physician. This is not medical advice.
Is Oxytocin banned in sport (WADA)?+
Oxytocin is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.
What are the known risks of Oxytocin?+
Documented risks include: Obstetric: overstimulation of uterine activity possible (only under supervision); Water intoxication/hyponatraemia at high doses (antidiuretic effect). This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is Oxytocin?+
The evidence is classified as “early clinical studies”. 2 studies are cited on this page.
What is the molecular weight of Oxytocin?+
Oxytocin has a molar mass of about 1007.2 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~1–6 minutes.
Which peptides are related to Oxytocin?+
Closely related entries: Kisspeptin. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Dossier
Legal · Structure · Sources.
Oxytocin is approved as an obstetric medicine and is prescription-only. Intranasal "research" preparations for social or behavioural purposes are not approved. Obtaining it without a medical prescription is illegal in Germany under § 48 AMG. Not on the WADA Prohibited List.
Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.