Botox

Botox 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. Botox is only available by prescription. Side effects include droopy eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and neck pain.

 

What Is Botox?

Botox® (botulinum toxin type A) 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 spasms 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 Botox Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Botox?

Botox is made by Allergan Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Botox Work?

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