Oxytocin vs Octreotide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a natural hormone produced in the hypothalamus, often called the 'love hormone' or 'bonding hormone.' It plays key roles in social bonding, childbirth, lactation, and stress regulation.
Full details →Octreotide
Octreotide (Sandostatin) is a synthetic somatostatin analog FDA-approved for acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and VIPomas. It inhibits growth hormone and various GI hormones.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Oxytocin | Octreotide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to oxytocin receptors in the brain and peripheral tissues. Promotes social bonding, reduces anxiety and stress response, and has various peripheral effects on smooth muscle contraction. | Binds to somatostatin receptors (primarily SSTR2 and SSTR5) to inhibit GH, glucagon, insulin, and gastric secretions. Reduces blood flow to GI tract and inhibits tumor hormone secretion. |
| Typical Dosage | Intranasal: 20-40 IU (international units) for social/anxiolytic effects. Clinical uses (labor induction) require IV administration under medical supervision. | Varies by indication. Acromegaly: 50-100mcg three times daily initially, up to 500mcg TID. LAR (long-acting): 20-30mg IM every 4 weeks. |
| Administration | Intranasal spray for behavioral effects. IV only in clinical settings. Sublingual also possible. Best used situationally rather than continuously. | Subcutaneous injection for immediate-release (between meals). Intramuscular for LAR depot form. Requires monitoring of gallbladder, glucose, and thyroid. |
| Side Effects | Intranasal: headache, nasal irritation, drowsiness. May cause over-attachment or emotional sensitivity. IV (clinical): uterine hyperstimulation, water retention. | GI effects (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain), gallstones (up to 25% of long-term users), injection site reactions, and blood glucose changes. |
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