Health condition · plain-language reference

Botox

Also called: Botulinum toxin type A

Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It's the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism . Doctors use it in small doses to treat health problems, including: Temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles and improving your appearance Severe underarm sweating Cervical dystonia - a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions Blepharospasm - uncontrollable blinking Strabismus - misaligned eyes Chronic migraine Overactive bladder Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. The effects last about three to twelve months, depending on what you are treating. The most common side effects are pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. You could also have flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomach. Injections in the face may also cause temporary drooping eyelids. You should not use Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM) ↗. For informational purposes only — not medical advice.