Botulinum toxin – Know the product before injecting

Abstract

Botulinum toxin for injection is a purified and diluted protein which is isolated from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is one of the most potent toxins known to humankind. C. botulinum is an anaerobic Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium which is present naturally in soil, plants, static water bodies, and the gastrointestinal tract of mammals and aquatic life. Different formulations of botulinum toxins are available. FDA approval for these formulations varies. This article reviews these factors and the molecule, its mechanism of action, and other pharmacological aspects including dilutions for various indications.