How Do Botulinum Toxins Work?

Botulinum toxins are a class of medications used to treat muscle stiffness or spasms. They are produced by a specific type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum.

Botulinum toxins prevent the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for signaling muscle contractions. They temporarily relax the contracted muscles by blocking these signals.

Botulinum toxins are used for the treatment of various conditions, including:

• Cervical dystonia
• Cerebral palsy
• Migraine
• Excessive sweating
• Eye twitching
• Bladder dysfunction
• Facial wrinkles
• Excessive drooling

Botulinum toxin injections, like Botox, can cause the following side effects:

• Dizziness
• Mild difficulty in swallowing
• Respiratory infections such as cold or flu
• Pain
• Nausea
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Skin tightness
• Muscle pain
• Muscle spasms
• Hypertension

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of botulinum toxins include:

• AbobotulinumtoxinA
• Botox
• Botox cosmetic
• Botulinum toxin
• DaxibotulinumtoxinA (pending FDA approval)
• Dysport
• IncobotulinumtoxinA
• Jeuveau
• Myobloc
• OnabotulinumtoxinA
• PrabotulinumtoxinA
• PrabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs
• RimabotulinumtoxinB
• Xeomin