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Oxytocin and Autism Ranking: Insufficient/Mixed evidence

Key Features

Oxytocin is a hormone produced within the pituitary gland in the brain. It acts on organs in the body including the breast, uterus and testes. Oxytocin controls key aspects of the reproductive system including childbirth and lactation (production of milk). It also affects some aspects of human behaviour including sexual arousal, recognition and mother-child bonding.

During childbirth oxytocin stimulates the muscles of the uterus to contract and also increases production of prostaglandins (a type of fatty acid) which increase the contractions further. During breastfeeding oxytocin promotes the movement of milk into the breast, allowing it to be excreted by the nipples. Oxytocin also plays a role in the production of testosterone by the testes and the movement of sperm.

Oxytocin is sometimes given to induce labour if it has not started naturally or it can be used to strengthen contractions to aid childbirth. It is sometimes given to speed up delivery of the placenta and reduce the risk of heavy bleeding. It may also be used to aid help women produce milk during breastfeeding.

Oxytocin has also been shown to be important in some aspects of human behaviours including sexual arousal, recognition, trust, anxiety and mother–infant bonding. As a result, oxytocin has been called the 'love hormone' or 'cuddle chemical'.

Brands

Oxytocin is sold under a variety of brand names, each of which may come in different strengths and be administered in different ways.  

Please note: some brands of oxytocin are not licensed for use in the UK or are restricted in how and where they may be used. For example, the administration of oxytocin via a nasal inhaler is not currently licensed within the UK.

  • Non-branded oxytocin is available in various forms including as an injectable solution, as an intravenous solution and as a solution for use in an inhaler. 
  • Pitocin is available in various forms including as an injectable solution, as an intravenous solution and as a solution for use in an inhaler. It is not currently licensed for use within the UK.
  • Syntocinon is available in various forms including as an injectable solution, as an intravenous solution and as a solution for use in an inhaler. In the UK it is currently only licensed for use within hospitals.

Dosage

The dosage of oxytocin to use will depend on the nature of the condition being treated, the body weight of the patient, the brand of oxytocin being used and the treatment mechanism. 

There is currently no agreement on the correct dosage of oxytocin to use for autistic people.

In the studies we identified, the dosages of oxytocin varied from 16 IU (international unit) to 48 IU per day.  In some studies, the oxytocin was only administered once, in some studies it was administered daily for up to three months.

Updated
17 Jun 2022
Last Review
01 Nov 2017
Next Review
01 May 2024