Side Effects of Botox

Botox is sold commercially as Botox, Xeomin, Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, Myobloc, Vistabel and Neurobloc. It is a Botulinum toxin that is highly toxic, with LD50 of 0.005-0.05 µg/kg. It was referred to as 'sausage poison' by the German physician Justinus Kerner, way back in 1822. This is primarily because it was observed that the bacterium was responsible for poisoning of meat products, in event of improper handling. Kerner is credited with the discovery that botulinum toxin could be put to therapeutic use.

The term 'botulism' was coined in 1870, by another German physician, Müller; derived from 'botulus', which means 'sausage' in Latin. It was not until the 1960s that the botulinum toxin was put to clinical use by Allan Scott and Edward Schantz. The toxin has to first be neutralized and then integrated with an application. Allan Scott first used BTX-A or Botox in1980, in the treatment of strabismus. The successful treatment of this condition, in which human eye alignment is rectified led to the approval of the application by the US Food and Drug Administration or FDA, in 1989. Subsequently, the administration of Botox was offered by the cosmetologists and dermatologists with the promise of prolonged youthfulness.

Botox has since then been successfully administered as a treatment option for:

• Blepharospasm
• Hemifacial spasms
• Severe frown lines
• Spasticity
• Muscle pain
• Migraine
• Asthma
• Obesity
• Focal dystonias
• Cervical dystonia

Side Effects of Botox:

The improper use of this botulinum toxin results in side effects that range from moderate to severe, depending on the dosage and physical condition of the patient. Botox side effects include:

• Inhibition of acetylcholine release, and subsequently, interference with nerve impulses
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle paralysis
• Muscle bruising
• Flaccid paralysis of muscles
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Pneumonia
• Speech disorder
• Respiratory tract disorders
• Severe headaches

Allergic reactions such as unexplained rash, wheezing, muscle swelling should be brought to the attention of the healthcare provider immediately. Botox treatment should be avoided, in case there is a medical history of neuromuscular disease, heart disease. Although the vision changes, when the botulinum toxin is used to correct blinking reflex, are temporary; in case there is a dry feeling in the eye, it should be reported. Botox administration is not be safe during pregnancy or during the post-natal months, while breast-feeding the baby.

Botox for Pain:

Botox is used for the treatment of muscle pain. It is used extensively by the plastic surgeons, dermatologists, cosmetic physicians and at licensed medical spas to address the pain associated with spasmodic torticollis, TMJ pain disorders, achalasia, migraines, neurogenic bladder, anal fissure, cerebral palsy, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. It is the respiratory failure in case of an overdose of Botox that causes death. This is the result of instant paralysis of respiratory muscles. Botox reacts to the simultaneous administration of aminoglycoside antibiotics like streptomycin, gentamicin, neomycin and tobramycin; spectinomycin, lincomycin, tubocurarine muscle relaxants and tetracyclines.

The treatment for the same comes in the form of immediate antitoxin administration, like the Trivalent (A,B,E) and Heptavalent (A,B,C,D,E,F,G) botulinum antitoxins. Coupled with artificial ventilation, the neurotoxins are either metabolized or excreted. Though functional treatment takes a fortnight or two, the treatment is quite effective. It is very important to heed FDA regulations on the use of Botox and Botox Cosmetic. The fatality of respiratory compromise and subsequent death are linked to the improper use of botulinum toxins A and B. The toxin is known to spread even beyond the injected site, resulting in limb spasticity, hospitalization and death. A little personal research and the guidance and presence of a professional dermatologist or cosmetologist helps to ward off the severity associated with Botox abuse.