Oxytocin (5mg)
Oxytocin (5mg) is a neuropeptide known as the 'bonding hormone', regulating social behavior, stress, and inflammation. Reconstitute with 2.5mL of bacteriostatic water for a concentration of 2mg/mL (200mcg per 10 units).
Reviewed by the AllPeptides.eu Editorial Team·Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
⚠️ For informational/educational purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell any products. Self-treatment carries serious risks — consult a healthcare professional. Disclaimer
Research monograph
See the full Oxytocin encyclopedia page with mechanism, evidence tier, related variants and research context.
How It Works
Oxytocin binds to OTR receptors in the brain (amygdala, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex) and peripheral tissues. It reduces amygdala activity (fear center), enhances dopaminergic signaling in the reward system, and regulates the HPA axis (stress). Anti-inflammatory action via reduction of IL-6 and TNF-α.
Quick Start
- Typical dose: 10–40IU (≈20–80mcg) intranasally or subcutaneously
- Frequency: 1–2x/day or as needed (e.g., before social activity)
- Storage: 2–8°C after reconstitution, use within 28 days
Dosing Table — Oxytocin 5mg
Route: Subcutaneous or intranasal | Frequency: 1–2x daily
| Week | Dose | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 10IU (~20mcg) | 1 Units (0.01 mL) |
| 3–4 | 20IU (~40mcg) | 2 Units (0.02 mL) |
| 5+ | 20–40IU (~40–80mcg) | 2–4 Units (0.02–0.04 mL) |
For social use: 20–40 minutes before social interaction. For sleep/relaxation: before bed.
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- Clean the stoppers with an alcohol wipe.
- Withdraw 2.5mL of bacteriostatic water.
- Slowly inject it down the side of the vial — avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved (do not shake).
- Note the reconstitution date on the vial.
- Store immediately in the refrigerator (2–8°C).
Protocol Overview
- Oxytocin regulates social bonds, trust, and emotional regulation.
- It is used in research for autism (ASD), PTSD, social anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.
- The intranasal route provides direct access to the CNS via the olfactory bulb.
Dosing Protocol
- Intranasally: 20–40IU (1–2 sprays/nostril), 20–40 minutes before the desired effect.
- Cycle: 4–8 weeks, followed by a 2–4 week break.
- Start low (10IU) and gradually increase based on tolerance.
- Break between cycles: After a cycle (4–8 weeks), a break of 2–4 weeks is recommended. The break prevents OTR receptor downregulation.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
After a cycle (4–8 weeks), a break of 2–4 weeks is recommended. The break prevents OTR receptor downregulation.
Minimum wait period: 2 weeks
Storage Instructions
- Reconstituted solution: 2–8°C, use within 28 days.
- Lyophilized powder: 2–8°C (or -20°C for long-term storage).
- Sensitive to heat — avoid room temperature and light.
- Do not freeze the reconstituted solution.
Important Notes
- The effect is dose-dependent — high doses (>40IU) may cause paradoxical anxiety.
- Contraindicated during pregnancy — causes uterine contractions (oxytocic effect).
- Potential interaction with SSRIs and antidepressants.
- Chronic use without a break may lead to OTR receptor downregulation.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- Enhancement of social bonds and trust
- Reduction of anxiety and stress (cortisol reduction)
- Improved sleep quality
- Anti-inflammatory action
- Improved sexual function
- Potential neuroprotective effects
Potential Side Effects:
- Nasal congestion (intranasal administration)
- Headache (usually transient)
- Nausea at high doses
- Paradoxical anxiety at very high doses (>40IU)
- Fluid retention (rare, with chronic use)
⚠️ Serious Warnings & Long-Term Risks
The following warnings are based on published literature, FDA labels, and post-marketing surveillance. They do not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Uterine hypertonia & fetal distress
In obstetric use, oxytocin overdose can cause uterine rupture, fetal distress, hemorrhage. Outside obstetrics, transient hypotension and tachycardia.
📄 FDA Label — Pitocin®References
- Oxytocin Pathway Gene Networks — Quintana DS, et al. Oxytocin pathway gene networks modulate social communication. Mol Psychiatry. 2019;24(4):603-615.
View Source - Intranasal Oxytocin: Myths and Delusions — Leng G, Ludwig M. Intranasal oxytocin: myths and delusions. Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(3):243-250.
View Source - Oxytocin and Social Anxiety — Neumann ID, Slattery DA. Oxytocin in General Anxiety and Social Fear. Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(3):213-221.
View Source
Recommended Supplements
Maca Root Extract
Ashwagandha (KSM-66)
External Sources & Regulatory Status
Regulatory Approvals
Pitocin® · Labour / Obstetrics (1980)
Syntocinon® · Labour
Labour
Approved worldwide
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
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