What Is Botulinum Toxin Type A Used For?

Botulinum toxin type A is used for improving the appearance of facial lines. It can also be used to treat conditions ranging from cervical dystonia to strabismus to severe sweating. The drug works by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine, a chemical that transmits nerve signals. Off-label uses for botulinum toxin type A include the treatment of migraine headaches, drooling, and muscle spasms in children with cerebral palsy.

 

What Is Botulinum Toxin Type A Used For? -- An Overview

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox®) is a prescription medication approved for several different uses. Although the drug is well known for its ability to improve the appearance of facial lines, it is also approved for treating severe sweating and a few muscle spasm conditions.
 

Why Is Botulinum Toxin Type A Used for Facial Lines?

Botulinum toxin type A is approved to temporarily reduce the appearance of "frown lines" between the eyebrows in people 65 years old or younger. It is not approved for older individuals, as studies have suggested that the drug is less effective in this age group. The beneficial effects of botulinum toxin type A for frown lines between the eyebrows last about three to four months. In order to maintain the effects, you will need to receive botulinum toxin type A injections periodically.
 

Why Is Botulinum Toxin Type A Used for Head and Neck Spasms?

Botulinum toxin type A is also approved to treat cervical dystonia, a condition that involves unusual muscle spasms or contractions in the head or neck. Frequently, cervical dystonia causes an abnormal head position (often twisted to one side), abnormal head or neck movements, and neck pain. Botulinum toxin type A can help decrease the severity of the abnormal head position and can help relieve neck pain. Although the drug will usually cause some improvement immediately, the full effects usually take about six weeks to develop and last for about three months.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;