Nasal administration: Oxytocin is effectively distributed to the brain when administered intranasally via a nasal spray, after which it reliably crosses the blood–brain barrier and exhibits psychoactive effects in humans. No serious adverse effects with short-term application of oxytocin with 18~40 IU (36–80 mcg) have been recorded. Intranasal oxytocin has a central duration of at least 2.25 hours and as long as 4 hours. Oral: Oxytocin is destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract, so it is not active orally. History
Oxytocins uterine-contracting properties were discovered by British pharmacologist Henry Hallett Dale in 1906. Oxytocins milk ejection property was described by Ott and Scott in 1910 and by Schafer and Mackenzie in 1911.Oxytocin was the first polypeptide hormone to be sequenced or synthesized. Du Vigneaud was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1955 for his work. Etymology
The word oxytocin was coined from the term oxytocic. Greek ὀξύς, oxys, and τόκος, tokos, meaning "quick birth". Society and culture
Counterfeits
In African countries, some oxytocin products were found to be counterfeit medications. Other uses
The trust-inducing property of oxytocin might help those with social anxiety and depression, anxiety, fear, and social dysfunctions, such as generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder, as well as autism and schizophrenia, among others. However, in one meta-analysis only autism spectrum disorder showed a significant combined effect size.People using oxytocin show improved recognition for positive social cues over threatening social cues and improved recognition of fear. Autism: Oxytocin may play a role in autism and may be an effective treatment for autisms repetitive and affiliative behaviors.
Relationship counseling: The use of oxytocin in relationship counseling for well-being has been suggested. See also
Attachment theory
List of investigational anxiolytics
List of investigational sexual dysfunction drugs


== References ==