Oxytocin

Oxytocin (Oxt) is a medication and hormone. As a medication, it is used to cause contraction of the uterus, which is used to start labor, increase the speed of labor, and to stop bleeding following delivery. It is used either by injection into a muscle or into a vein.

Medical uses can result in excessive contraction of the uterus that can cause distress in an unborn baby. Common side effects in the mother include nausea and a slow heart rate. Serious side effects include water intoxication with an excessive dose and uterus rupture. Allergies may also occur.

Oxytocin is normally produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. It plays a role in social bonding, sexual reproduction in both sexes, and during and after childbirth. It is released due to stretching of the cervix and uterus during labor and with stimulation of the nipples from breastfeeding. This helps with birth, bonding with the baby, and milk production.

Oxytocin was discovered in 1952. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. The wholesale cost is between 0.10 and 0.56 USD per dose as of 2014.