Botulinum Toxin Type A

Botulinum toxin type A is an injectable medicine used to treat a variety of conditions, from wrinkles and frown lines to severe underarm sweating to crossed eyes. The drug is actually a toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, and it works by decreasing the nerve signals that are sent to muscles. Botulinum toxin A is only available by prescription. Side effects include droopy eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and neck pain.

 

What Is Botulinum Toxin Type A?

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox®) is a prescription injection that is approved to:
 
  • Temporarily improve the appearance of wrinkles between the eyebrows (frown lines)
  • Relieve neck pain and abnormal head position associated with cervical dystonia (a certain kind of muscle spasm of the head and neck)
  • Treat severe underarm sweating that has not responded to other treatments
  • Treat eyelid twitching or spasms (known medically as blepharospasm)
  • Treat misaligned eyes, such as crossed eyes (known medically as strabismus).
     
(Click What Is Botulinum Toxin Type A Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Botulinum Toxin Type A?

Botulinum toxin type A is made by Allergan Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Botulinum Toxin Type A Work?

Botulinum toxin type A is a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The drug works by decreasing nerve signals to muscles, which helps them to relax. Botulinum toxin type A enters nerve cells and inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a chemical that transmits signals from nerve to nerve. The actions of botulinum toxin type A are not permanent, and the muscle will eventually recover and return to its previous state.
 
For severe sweating, botulinum toxin type A works similarly, blocking the release of acetylcholine from the nerve cells that stimulate the sweat glands.
 
(Botulinum Toxin Type A Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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