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Oxytocin (Low dose)
Low-dose oxytocin binds to oxytocin receptors to modulate social bonding, trust, and prosocial behaviors, with potential therapeutic effects on social dysfunction and anxiety.
Low-dose oxytocin binds to oxytocin receptors to modulate social bonding, trust, and prosocial behaviors, with potential therapeutic effects on social dysfunction and anxiety. Used for Social anxiety disorder, Autism spectrum disorder (social dysfunction), Post-traumatic stress disorder (anxiety symptoms).
At a glance
| Generic name | Oxytocin (Low dose) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pitocin, Syntocinon |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston |
| Drug class | Neuropeptide agonist |
| Target | Oxytocin receptor (OXTR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that acts on oxytocin receptors in the brain to enhance social cognition, reduce social anxiety, and promote affiliative behaviors. At low doses, it may improve interpersonal trust and reduce fear-related responses without the uterotonic effects seen at higher clinical doses. The mechanism is thought to involve modulation of amygdala activity and enhancement of social reward processing.
Approved indications
- Social anxiety disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder (social dysfunction)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (anxiety symptoms)
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Dizziness
Key clinical trials
- Comparison of the Effect of Carbetocin Versus Oxytocin in the Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage After Emergency Caesarean Section in Antenatal Low-risk Patients (NA)
- Low-Dose Versus High-Dose Oxytocin Dosing for Induction and Augmentation of Labor (PHASE4)
- Comparing High Versus Low Dose of Oxytocin, in Gravida Women With BMI 30 and Above Which Are Undergoing Induction of Labor (PHASE4)
- Effect of Tafoxiparin on Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labor in Term Pregnant Women With an Unripe Cervix (PHASE2)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of TNX-1900 in Patients With Chronic Migraine (PHASE2)
- Plasma Oxytocin Changes in Response to Low-dose MDMA vs. Placebo in Patients With Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency and Healthy Controls (NA)
- High Or Low Dose pOstpartUm Oxytocin at the Time of Cesarean Birth (PHASE2)
- Randomized Control Trial of Intracervical Balloon Placement vs Oxytocin in Women With Term PROM and Unripe Cervices (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Oxytocin (Low dose) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Oxytocin (Low dose) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston portfolio CI