Products
Oxytocin is commercially available as an injectable and nasal spray (syntocinone). It has been approved in many countries since 1956. Generic products are available in many countries.
Structure and properties
Oxytocin (C43H66N12O12S2, Mr = 1007.2 g/mol) is a cyclic peptide consisting of 9 amino acids (nonapeptide) with a disulfide bridge. The structure of the synthetically produced active ingredient is identical to that of the natural hormone. The name is derived from Greek and means “rapid birth”. Oxytocin is structurally and pharmacologically closely related to vasopressin. Sequence: Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly
Effects
Oxytocin (ATC H01BB02) is a peptide hormone produced in the hypothalmus and transported to the posterior pituitary, where it is stored and released. The uterus is most sensitive to the hormone toward the end of pregnancy. Oxytocin stimulates uterine smooth muscle and promotes rhythmic contractions, thus leading to labor and enabling delivery. Its secretion is stimulated after birth by breastfeeding. The contraction of myoepithelial cells in the area of the mammary gland promotes the discharge of milk. On the other hand, oxytocin has no influence on the formation of breast milk. Furthermore, oxytocin plays an important role as a neuropeptide in the central nervous system, for example for social behavior, social recognition and memory, for building trust, and for love and sexuality. It is also crucial for emotional bonds (bonding), for example between parents and their children and between lovers. Oxytocin is therefore also referred to as the “love hormone,” “trust hormone” and “cuddle hormone.”
Indications
Oxytocin is used in obstetrics before and after birth. Medical indications include:
- Induction of labor for medical reasons at term
- Weakness in labor
- Labor stimulation
- Prevention and treatment of bleeding
- Postpartum uterine atony
- Promotion of milk evacuation and mastitis prophylaxis (nasal spray).
Possible applications as a psychotropic drug: due to its essential functions in the brain, oxytocin is being investigated in numerous clinical studies for various neurological applications and social disorders, among others. These include, for example, autism spectrum disorders, social anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder, addiction and anxiety disorders. Regulatory approvals are not currently available. Agonists and antagonists at oxytocin receptors are also being developed.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Oxytocin is injected as an intravenous infusion or as an intravenous or intramuscular injection. It may also be administered intranasally for some indications using a nasal spray, which simplifies administration.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include headache, a change in heart rate (arrhythmias, tachycardia, bradycardia), hypertension, and nausea and vomiting.
