Botox (botulinum Toxin Type A)

Botox (botulinum toxin) is a drug made from a substance produced by the bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. This neurotoxin used in small dosages is well known for it`s positive effects in cosmetics. Botox provides aid in preventing and removing the appearance of facial wrinkling by temporarily paralyzing overactive muscles. It has also been used to smoothen back pain, relieve spasms and so on. However,it is critical that only professional medical staff provides treatment.

Botox looks like a very fine powder

There are some interesting facts about botulinum toxin

Clostridium botulinum bacteria and its spores in relatively harmless state are located virtually everywhere in the nature - forests, water, soils, fishes and animals. Problems occur when these spores under certain conditions transform into an actively growing cells. When they overpopulate they begin to die, producing the deadly neurotoxin that causes illness called botulism, a severe life-threatening state, which if left untreated, may result in respiratory failure and death. Botulinum toxin is one of the most deadly and poisonous substances known in the world, which targets the nervous system and disrupts the signaling that allows neurons to communicate effectively. A single gram could kill million people. In high concentrations botulinum toxin is real danger. But in low dosages it could be a powerful remedy.



How does it work?

Botulinum toxin can be injected in very small concentrations and works by preventing signals from the nerve cells reaching muscles, effectively leaving the muscles without instructions to contract, therefore paralyzing them. Thus the effect of botulinum toxin causes a reduction in abnormal muscle contraction allowing the muscles to become less stiff. It irons out wrinkles and lines in aging faces.


Botox usage

The botulinum toxin is administered by diluting the powder in saline (sodium chloride) and injecting directly into neuromuscular tissue, The toxin requires 24-72 hours to take effect.

Botox 100IU injections are to be made every six to nine months after the initial treatment to ensure consistency and maximum effect. Only experienced staff who knows where and how much to inject must do them.


Botox storage

Botox vials could be stored at room temperature. After opened - must be stored in the ref.


Botox Precautions

Botulinum toxin should not be used in pregnant or lactating women, as well as people who have had a previous allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients.


Approved therapeutic uses for botulinum toxin:

Blepharospasm (spasm of the eyelids), Idiopathic Rotational Cervical Dystonia (severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms),
Chronic Migraine, Severe Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), Strabismus (crossed eyes), Post-Stroke Upper Limb Spasticity,
Detrusor Overactivity Urinary Incontinence, Overactive Bladder, Hemifacial Spasm, Glabellar Lines (frown lines between the eyebrows),
Canthal Lines, Crow`s Feet Lines

Off-label uses:
Achalasia, Anal Fissure and Anismus, Sialorrhea, Allergic Rhinitis, Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction, Cerebral Palsy, Oromandibular Dystonias,  Laryngeal Dystonia.


Botox side effects

Injections with botulinum toxin are generally well tolerated by most people and side effects are few if any. Uncommon responses to a drug because of a genetic predisposition are uncommon, generally mild, and transient.

There`s low possibility of the following sides: Mild injection pain and local edema erythema, Transient numbness, Headache, Malaise, Mild nausea,Temporary unwanted weakness/paralysis of nearby musculature caused by the action of the toxin, Temporary upper lid or brow ptosis, Weakness of the lower eyelid or lateral rectus, Dysphagia, Neck weakness, Influenza-like illness, Brachial plexopathy, Gallbladder dysfunction, Diplopi, Bleeding, Blurred vision, Drooping of the eyelids, Decreased eyesight, Dry mouth, Fatigue, Hives, Rashes, Wheezing, Swelling.