Botox which is commonly known as botulinum toxin has now been given a name of onabotulinum toxin A. It is derived from a soil microorganism named as Clostridium botulinum. Botox is one of the most common and most used drugs of this century and centuries to come especially because of its cosmetic reason. It is just another Disprin in twentieth century.

Another reason for gaining popularity is its safety profile which is good enough most of the times. This fits true especially in the case when botox is used in low doses. The lower is the better. In low doses botox is usually used for cosmetic purposes like removal of facial wrinkles and lines or it may be used for excessive sweating or droopy eyelids. There is very less chance of complications and side effects while botox is used in treatment of these conditions due to low dose administration. Many studies have been conducted which has shown high safety profile of botox in low doses.

When botox is to be used in higher doses like for treatment of muscular spasms of bigger muscles of upper or lower limbs or in pediatric conditions like cerebral palsies or many other conditions, then the case is bit different. In high doses this may turn in to poison sometimes or may not. However, a judicious approach is to be carried out before giving this injection to the patients. It should be confirmed appropriately that whether botox is required by the individual for this very condition or not.

As botox in stays in body for a longer time and is very potent, so it should always be used cautiously in large doses. Sometimes, it may diffuse to the nerves from the muscles and may reach brain causing some serious complications. In certain cases botox caused respiratory muscles paralysis and breathing difficulties in pediatric patients when used for treating cerebral palsy.

Serious side effects of botox can be respiratory muscle paralysis, anaphylactic reactions or allergic reactions, speech problems or severe swallowing problems. However, few minor side effects of botox are also there but they do not require any medical intervention.

It is always strongly recommended and advisable to consult your physician before commencing botox treatment for any disease because of its narrow safety margin especially in large doses. This will help you to have appropriate dosing of the botox with minimum side effects. Do try it!