Botulinum toxinor botox is a drug that can be used to reduce facial wrinkles, treat chronic migraines, muscle stiffness, or overactive bladder. In addition, Botox is also used in medicine cervical dystonia, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the armpits, or twitching of the eyes.
Botox is derived from a bacterial neurotoxin Clostridium botulinum which relaxes or paralyzes muscles by blocking the flow of nerve signals. The effects of botox injections are only temporary.
The effects of botox will generally decrease and disappear after 3-6 months so that injections are needed again. Keep in mind that botox does not cure the disease, but only relieves complaints.
Botox trademark:Botox, Lanzox, Xeomin
What is Botox
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | muscle relaxer |
| Benefit | Reduces wrinkles on the face, treats crossed eyes, chronic migraines, cervical dystonia, excessive sweating of the armpits, twitching, muscle stiffness, or overactive bladder |
| Used by | Mature |
| Botox for pregnant and lactating women | Category N:Not yet categorized. It is not known whether botox can be absorbed into breast milk or not. For breastfeeding mothers, consult a doctor before using this drug. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Warning Before Using Botox
Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use botox if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have a skin infection. Botox injections should not be done on skin that is infected or injured.
- Tell your doctor if you have a urinary tract infection, are unable to urinate, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Lambert-Eaton syndrome, myasthenia gravis, asthma, emphysema, seizure, diabetes, difficulty swallowing, weakness in facial muscles, or blood clotting disorders.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have recently had facial surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you have had Botox injections in the past 4 months.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking Botox if you are going to have any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using Botox.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Botox
The dose of botox prescribed by a doctor can be different for each patient. The following are general doses of Botox for adults based on the condition to be treated:
- Condition:Wrinkles or wrinkles on the face
The dose is 4 units per injection point, on 3-5 areas of wrinkles on the face.
- Condition: Chronic migraine
The dose is 155 units, divided into 7 injection points in the head and neck.
- Condition: muscle stiffness
The dose is 75–400 units, divided into several injection points in stiff muscles. The maximum dose is 50 units at each injection point.
- Condition: disease ccervical dystoniaThe dose is 198–300 units, divided into several injection points in the affected muscle. The maximum dose is 50 units at each injection point.
- Condition: Excessive sweating in the armpits (hyperhidrosis)
The dose is 50 units in each armpit, divided evenly in several injection points.
- Condition: Twitching of the eyelids (blepharospasm)
The dose is 1.25–2.5 units in each of the muscles around the eye. The dose can be increased if necessary. The maximum dose is 5 units per area.
- Condition: Cockeye
Initial dose 1.25–2.5 units, in each of the eye muscles. The maximum dose is 25 units per area.
- Condition: Uncontrolled urination (overactive bladder)
The dose is 100 units divided into 20 injections, each injection containing 5 units of botox, into the bladder muscle.
If your child is advised to have Botox injections, discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor again.
How to Use Botox Correctly
Botox will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be injected into the muscle (intramuscular / IM) as recommended by the doctor.
You are advised to avoid alcohol consumption for at least 1 week before the injection procedure. To prevent bruising, you should also stop taking aspirin and blood-thinning medications 2 weeks before treatment.
Botox injections can be given to more than one area, depending on the patient's condition. If the Botox injection is given to the eye muscle, your doctor may recommend using eye drops, ointment, special contact lenses, or other aids to protect the surface of the eye.
If you do Botox injections to deal with excessive sweating, it is recommended to shave your armpits and not use deodorant or perfume the day before the injection. Do not exercise and consume hot or spicy food or drinks half an hour before the injection.
The time it takes for Botox to take effect can be significantly different for each person. In general, the effects are visible within a few days and will last for 3 months.
Avoid rubbing the newly injected area for 24 hours.
Repeat injections every 3 months or as directed by a doctor to maintain the effects of Botox. It is recommended to do Botox injections with the same doctor. If there is a change, inform the condition and frequency of botox injections beforehand, so that the administration of botox injections can be adjusted.
Botox Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are the effects of drug interactions that may occur if Botox is used together with other medicines:
- Increased risk of side effects, including excessive muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing, if used with amikacin, colistin, gentamicin, polymyxin B, muscle relaxants, such as atracurium, pancuronium, or cisatracurium
- Increased risk of side effects, such as dry mouth or blurred vision, when used with amitriptyline, amoxapine, atropine, chlorpromazine, or clozapine
Botox Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the minor side effects that may occur after using Botox are:
- Headache, dizziness, or neck pain
- Pain, redness, bruising, or swelling, at the injection site
- Flu or colds that can be characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, fever, chills, or sore throat
- Difficult to swallow
Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or are actually getting worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- drooping or drooping eyelids, swollen eyelids, double vision, dry eyes, or sensitivity to light, if Botox is injected in the forehead or around the eyes
- Urinary tract infection, pain or burning sensation when urinating, or pain when urinating, if Botox is used to treat overactive bladder
- Severe muscle weakness in the area that was not injected
- Chest pain or abnormal heartbeat, for example too fast, too slow, or irregular