Approved (FDA / EMA)
FDA (U.S.): Approved (Pitocin, NDA 018261, authorized before 1982) to initiate or improve uterine contractions before delivery and to produce contractions and control bleeding postpartum.
EMA (EU): No centralized authorization; authorized at the national level in EU countries. In Spain, Syntocinon 10 IU/ml (Alfasigma) for labor induction for medical reasons, uterine inertia, and prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.
Its use as a drug is exclusively obstetric (pregnant or postpartum women). Contraindicated, among others, with hypertonic contractions, cephalopelvic disproportion, placenta previa, fetal distress without imminent delivery, or a previous major uterine scar (prescribing information).
Intranasal oxytocin transiently increases trusting behaviors and the perception of friendly faces in clinical trials. Effects are nuanced by context.
View the study (clinical trial) →Intranasal oxytocin as an adjuvant in social anxiety disorder shows reduced amygdala reactivity and subjective anxiety in pilot trials.
View the study (clinical trial) →Moderate physical contact (20-second hugs, caresses) releases oxytocin and decreases reactivity to social stress for hours. It is a physiological antagonist of cortisol.
View the study (clinical trial) →Alterations of the oxytocinergic system are associated with postpartum depression. Breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, and the presence of a companion regulate the system.
Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.