Neuropeptide research
Oxytocin Dosage, Protocol & Research Guide
Label figures describe the approved branded products. The research materials listed on this page are not approved drugs and are not evaluated by any regulator.
- MW 1,007.2 g/mol
- CAS 50-56-6
Reconstitution calculator
Calculator example, not a recommended amount
- Concentration
- 1 mg/mL
- Volume to draw
- 0.25 mL
- Units on a U-100 syringe
- 25 units
Properties
- CAS
- 50-56-6
- Molecular weight
- 1,007.2 g/mol
- Formula
- Not yet recorded
- Sequence
- Not yet recorded
- Aliases
- Not yet recorded
- Vial sizes (mg)
- 2
Storage notes
- Lyophilized
- Not yet recorded from a cited source
- Reconstituted stability (days)
- Not yet recorded from a cited source
Side effects, contraindications and regulatory status
Reported side effects
- Boxed warning: elective induction of labor (initiation of labor with no medical indication) is not an indicated use of Pitocin because available data are inadequate to evaluate benefits-to-risks considerations (Pitocin label).[1] Approved label
- Pitocin label, Warnings: for induction of labor or augmentation of uterine activity it should be given only by the intravenous route with adequate medical supervision in a hospital.[1] Approved label
- Pitocin label, Adverse Reactions in the mother: anaphylactic reaction, premature ventricular contractions, postpartum hemorrhage, pelvic hematoma, cardiac arrhythmia, subarachnoid hemorrhage, fatal afibrinogenemia, hypertensive episodes, nausea, vomiting, uterine rupture.[1] Approved label
- Pitocin label: severe water intoxication with convulsions and coma occurred with a slow infusion over 24 hours; maternal death due to oxytocin-induced water intoxication has been reported; excessive dosage can cause uterine hypertonicity or rupture.[1] Approved label
- Pitocin label, fetus or neonate: bradycardia, low Apgar scores at five minutes, neonatal jaundice, neonatal retinal hemorrhage, permanent CNS or brain damage, fetal death; neonatal seizures reported.[1] Approved label
- Systematic review (Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2018, 5 randomized trials of long-term intranasal oxytocin in autism, 123 on oxytocin): nasal discomfort 14.3%, irritability 9.0%, tiredness 7.2%; severe events included aggression and seizures in both arms.[4] Observational
- Systematic review (Australas Psychiatry 2025, nine trials, 331 adults aged 60+, intranasal 24 to 72 IU): adverse effects were predominantly mild; the authors say long-term effects may not be reflected.[3] Observational
Contraindications
- Pitocin label, antepartum use contraindicated: significant cephalopelvic disproportion; unfavorable fetal positions undeliverable without conversion; obstetrical emergencies favoring surgery; fetal distress where delivery is not imminent.[1] Approved label
- Pitocin label, antepartum use also contraindicated: inadequate uterine activity for progress; hyperactive or hypertonic uterus; vaginal delivery contraindicated (invasive cervical carcinoma, active herpes genitalis, total placenta previa, vasa previa, cord prolapse); hypersensitivity.[1] Approved label
Regulatory status
US label (DailyMed) for Pitocin (oxytocin injection): IV infusion or IM obstetric use; boxed warning on elective induction. Checked 2026-10-20.[1] Source
Report any adverse reaction to a qualified healthcare professional.
What the research says
Summaries of the cited studies, each with its evidence grade.
Pitocin (oxytocin injection, synthetic) US label (DailyMed)[1]
Pitocin (oxytocin injection, synthetic) US label (DailyMed): obstetric use only. Induction or stimulation of labor by intravenous infusion only: initial 0.5 to 1 mU/min, increased at 30 to 60 minute intervals in increments of 1 to 2 mU/min; postpartum bleeding control: 10 units intramuscularly after delivery of the placenta (or 10 to 40 units added to an intravenous infusion). Plasma half-life about 1 to 6 minutes.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov[2]
Placebo-controlled phase 2 trial (N Engl J Med 2021, NCT01944046) of intranasal oxytocin in children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 with autism spectrum disorder, 24 weeks, total target dose 48 international units daily (146 oxytocin, 144 placebo); the abstract states incidence and severity of adverse events were similar in the two groups.
Systematic review (Australas Psychiatry 2025) of nine randomized trials in 331 adults aged 60 and over[3]
Systematic review (Australas Psychiatry 2025) of nine randomized trials in 331 adults aged 60 and over: intranasal oxytocin 24 to 72 IU, single or repeated short-term doses; the authors say adverse effects were predominantly mild and the long-term profile may not be reflected.
Compare vial sizes
| Size | Price | Doses available from the vial Calculated | Cost per dose Calculated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mg | $44.99 | — | — |
Cost per dose uses the listed partner price and the reference dose cited on this page. Prices change; check the product page.
Calculated from a default of 2 mL water (adjustable).
Peptide Protocol Check may earn a commission when you use Pepcore links, at no extra cost to you. Read the disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the regulatory status of Oxytocin?
US label (DailyMed) for Pitocin (oxytocin injection): IV infusion or IM obstetric use; boxed warning on elective induction. Checked 2026-10-20.
Compound facts
What is the molecular weight of Oxytocin?
What is the CAS number of Oxytocin?
How is Oxytocin stored in the laboratory?
References
Numbered sources used on this page. Markers in the text link here.
- Pitocin (oxytocin injection, synthetic) US label (DailyMed) dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Approved label
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Human trial
- Systematic review (Australas Psychiatry 2025) of nine randomized trials in 331 adults aged 60 and over pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Observational
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Observational
Vial sizes and protocols
2 mgPartner size
Available from Pepcore
Supplied as research material for laboratory use only.
Label figures describe the approved branded products. The research materials listed on this page are not approved drugs and are not evaluated by any regulator.
- Oxytocin Acetate Research Material - 2mg 2 mg$44.99Shop at PepcoreCoupon code
LAUNCH20
Peptide Protocol Check may earn a commission when you use Pepcore links, at no extra cost to you. Read the disclosure.