Botulinum Toxin Type A is a neuromuscular blocking agent which was approved for its medical use in 1989.

Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection has been developed to treat urinary incontinence due to overactive bladder and neurological conditions (spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis). It is indicated to treat spasms of the eyes (blepharospasm), upper and lower limbs in paediatric patients and patients who have suffered a stroke. This injection is administered to treat cervical dystonia, severe sweating in the armpits and chronic migraines that last for more than 4 hours a day, 15 days a month.

A healthcare professional will administer Botulinum Toxin Type A injection as an intramuscular injection to the patients. The dosage and number of injections to be administered typically depends on the individual’s age and medical condition.

This injection is available as a purified neurotoxin complex powder for injection in the doses 50IU, 100IU and 200IU.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection are urinary tract infection, urinary retention, dysuria, neck pain, headache, pain in extremities, upper respiratory tract infection, flu, back pain, rhinitis, injection site pain, dry mouth, fever, nausea, vision trouble, and muscle weakness. If you experience symptoms such as breathing difficulty, rashes, wheezing, trouble swallowing, report to your doctor immediately.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, fever, or any other discomfort while on treatment with Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection. During the Botulinum Toxin Type A injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood cell counts, electrolytes and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of neurological disorders, asthma, bleeding disorders, urinary tract infection, heart failure or liver problem. Tell your healthcare provider if you are about to undergo surgery or dental procedure while on treatment with Botulinum Toxin Type A.

There is no evidence regarding the impact of Botulinum Toxin Type A on pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is advisable to tell your healthcare provider before starting treatment with Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby.

Botulinum Toxin Type A can make you feel dizzy, tired and make your vision blurry. Hence, you should avoid driving or handling machines while on this treatment. Apply cool compress at the injection site to reduce the pain.

1. AbbVie, US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Aug 2022] [Accessed on 10th Oct 2022], https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/botox_pi.pdf
2. KD Tripathi, Cholinergic Transmission and Cholinergic Drugs, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 110-123.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.