[6] Oxytocin is also available in intranasal spray form for psychiatric, endocrine and weight management use as a supplement.

It has largely replaced ergometrine as the principal agent to increase uterine tone in acute postpartum hemorrhage.

It has fewer side effects than drugs previously used for this purpose (such as ritodrine, salbutamol and terbutaline).

Water intoxication may be exhibited in administration through symptoms such as seizures, comas, neonatal jaundice, and potential fatality.

[15] Managed fluids intake and consistent monitoring of sodium levels has been researched as crucial in the safe administration of oxytocin.

[16] The use of oxytocin during childbirth has been linked to an increased need for other medical interventions, most primarily, through the administration of an epidural anaesthetic.

[18][19] Since a landmark investigation was published in JAMA Pediatrics by researchers in 2013,[20] the potential link between oxytocin use during childbirth and increased risks of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children's development has been a topic of debate.

[22] During pregnancy, increased uterine motility has led to decreased heart rate, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, brain damage, and death in the fetus or neonate.

[34] Peptide analogues of oxytocin with similar actions, for example carbetocin (Duratocin) and demoxytocin (Sandopart), have been developed and marketed for medical use.