Last reviewed · How we verify
Syntocinon (Oxytocin)
Oxytocin is a neurohypophyseal hormone that binds to oxytocin receptors to stimulate uterine contractions and milk letdown.
Oxytocin is a neurohypophyseal hormone that binds to oxytocin receptors to stimulate uterine contractions and milk letdown. Used for Induction or augmentation of labor, Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, Promotion of milk letdown during lactation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Syntocinon (Oxytocin) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | KU Leuven |
| Drug class | Oxytocin receptor agonist |
| Target | Oxytocin receptor (OXTR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Oxytocin acts as both a hormone and neurotransmitter, binding to G-protein coupled oxytocin receptors on uterine smooth muscle and mammary gland myoepithelial cells. In obstetrics, it induces or augments uterine contractions during labor and helps control postpartum hemorrhage. In lactation, it triggers the milk ejection reflex by contracting mammary tissue.
Approved indications
- Induction or augmentation of labor
- Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
- Promotion of milk letdown during lactation
Common side effects
- Uterine hyperstimulation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Hypertension
- Water intoxication (with prolonged high-dose infusion)
Key clinical trials
- Combined Use of Oxytocin and Misoprostol in the Prevention of Post Partum Haemorrhage (PHASE4)
- 3-hour Versus 12-hour Double-balloon Catheter for Labor Induction: a Randomized Trial (NA)
- The Stimulation To Induce Mothers Study (PHASE4)
- Improving Safe Vaginal Deliveries for Delivering Mothers by Implementing an Intervention Package of 11 Evidence-based Practices and Robson Classification at a Semi-urban Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh (NA)
- Oxytocin to Treat PTSD (PHASE2)
- EVALUATİON OF THE EFFECTİVENESS OF A MODEL-BASED HYPNOBREASTFEEDİNG EDUCATİON PROGRAM GİVEN TO PRİMİPAROUS PREGNANT WOMEN (NA)
- Oxytocin Effects on Bone in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (PHASE2)
- Intra-Umbilical Vein Oxytocin Injection as an Adjunct to Active Management of the Third Stage of Labour (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:
- Syntocinon (Oxytocin) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Syntocinon (Oxytocin) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- KU Leuven portfolio CI