What is Botox?

Botulinum toxin is a medication and a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is the most toxic protein known[1][2] with an LD50 of roughly 0.005-0.05 µg/kg. Botulinum toxin is used in minute doses to treat muscle spasms in some parts of the world despite its inherent toxicity. It is sold commercially under the brand names Botox, BTXA, Dysport, Myobloc, Neurobloc and Xeomin which are used in the treatment of muscle spasms. Botox Cosmetic and Vistabel are available for cosmetic treatment.

For medical use, BOTOX® neurotoxin is approved to treat the following conditions:

Cervical dystonia (CD)—head tilting, neck pain, and neck muscle spasms
Blepharospasm, or eyelid spasms
Strabismus, also called crossed eyes
Severe underarm sweating when antiperspirants don’t work

BOTOX® treatment for CD

CD is a condition that affects muscles in the neck. If you have CD, those muscles may tighten or spasm without your control. This can force your head and neck into movements or positions that are painful and awkward. It often makes it difficult to do simple things such as dressing, shaving, housework, driving a car, or using a computer. Treatment can manage symptoms and may help you return to activities you enjoyed before your symptoms started.

Many people with CD get relief from BOTOX® injections. BOTOX® works directly on the muscles that spasm. After a BOTOX® treatment, many patients get relief from muscle spasms for up to 3 months. BOTOX® also helps reduce neck pain in patients with CD. Pain relief may happen first, before muscles become significantly relaxed.

BOTOX® treatment for blepharospasm (eyelid spasms)

Blepharospasm can also be treated with BOTOX®. This condition causes spasms in and around the eyelids. This results in frequent blinking and closing of the eyes that you can’t control. Because of these symptoms, it can be hard to see. Treatment with BOTOX® can reduce muscle spasms. This reduces blinking, which may help restore the ability to see.

BOTOX® treatment for strabismus (crossed eyes)

Crossed eyes happen when certain muscles tighten around the eye. This tightening pulls the eyeball to the side. BOTOX® treatment can relax the affected muscles. Then the eyeball can return to its normal position.

Are there other medical uses of BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is currently being evaluated for other conditions. At the present time, however, the FDA has only approved BOTOX® for the conditions discussed above. To find out if BOTOX® is right for you, talk to your doctor.