Reptile · Pogona vitticeps · typical adult weight 0.38–0.51 kg
Oxytocin is dosed at 2–10 IU/kg IM once, may repeat x1 in bearded dragons, per Carpenter JW, Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, et al. Reptile formulary. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2019:1191-1211. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.261 (2026-08-01). — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929; Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery (Divers & Stahl) — ISBN 9780323482530, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323482530. Oxytocin is used in bearded dragons for Dystocia/egg binding. Routes documented in bearded dragons: IM. A typical adult bearded dragon weighs 0.38–0.51 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Oxytocin in bearded dragons, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Pitocin
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 2–10 IU/kg | once, may repeat x1 | 1-2 doses | Dystocia/egg binding | Weak | Carpenter JW, Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, et al. Reptile formulary. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2019:1191-1211. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.261 (2026-08-01). — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929; Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery (Divers & Stahl) — ISBN 9780323482530, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323482530 |
Every held source for this drug and species, as printed. Where they differ, both are shown — the choice is yours, not ours.
| Dose (%) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | IO | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 4.8 | - 1-10 U/kg IM,243 2 U/kg IM q4-6h ×1-3 treatments 1-5 U/kg IM, repeat in 1 hr 1-2,47 2-20,311 or 10- 2063 U/kg IM 1-20 U/kg IM Ch q90min ×3 treatments at increased doses, or 50%-100% first dose 1-12 |
| 100 | IO | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 4.8 | - 1-10 U/kg IM,243 2 U/kg IM q4-6h ×1-3 treatments 1-5 U/kg IM, repeat in 1 hr 1-2,47 2-20,311 or 10- 2063 U/kg IM 1-20 U/kg IM Ch q90min ×3 treatments at increased doses, or 50%-100% first dose 1-12 |
| Dose (iu/kg) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–10 | — | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your bearded dragon's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction and mammary myoepithelial cell contraction promoting milk letdown. Acts via oxytocin receptors.
Used for dystocia and milk letdown. DO NOT USE if obstructive dystocia (uterine rupture risk). Cervix must be dilated. Repeat doses with diminishing returns.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for bearded dragons may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Oxytocin dose range in bearded dragons, with cited source references: IM 2–10 IU/kg once, may repeat x1. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Oxytocin in bearded dragons: IM.
Cited course lengths for Oxytocin in bearded dragons include: 1-2 doses. Duration depends on the indication — match it to the specific dose rule in the table above.
Oxytocin is indicated in bearded dragons for: Dystocia/egg binding.
These are general warnings for Oxytocin across species; consult the bearded dragon dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Used for dystocia and milk letdown. DO NOT USE if obstructive dystocia (uterine rupture risk). Cervix must be dilated. Repeat doses with diminishing returns.
Why a species-specific page? Oxytocin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in bearded dragons — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.
| 1-10 U/kg IM78,99 Most species/higher end of the range is commonly used; may be repeated up to 3 treatments at 90 min intervals with increasing dosage |
| 2 | IM | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.7 | 2 U/kg IM q4-6h × 1-3 treatments10 Most species |
| 1–5 | IV | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.7 | 1-5 U/kg IM,67 repeat in 1 hr Lizards/alternatively, 5 U/kg by slow IV or IO over 4-8 hr67 |
Figures are transcribed from the cited page or table of each held edition and are shown for reference only. They are not dose recommendations, they do not feed the calculator, and none has been reviewed by a veterinarian.