Botulinum Toxin as a Drug: What Is It For? When is it used? Side Effects and Contraindications

Although known mainly for its use in the field of aesthetic medicine, botulinum toxin can also be used as a drug in other areas of medicine, in order to combat various disorders and pathologies.

Basically, there are two types of botulinum toxin: type A and type B. While in aesthetic medicine the majority of botulinum toxin type A is used, in other fields of medicine it is also possible to resort to the use of type B.

In any case, regardless of type A or B, botulinum toxin acts at the level of the nerve endings that innervate the muscles, interfering with the release of a particular neurotransmitter: acetylcholine. Botulinum toxin is only administered parenterally. , by injection.