botulinum toxin

/ ˌbɒtjʊˈlaɪnəm /

noun

1. a pharmaceutical formulation of botulin used in minute doses to treat various forms of muscle spasm and for the cosmetic removal of wrinkles See Botox

botulinum toxin

1. Any of several enzymes produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that are extremely potent neurotoxins. Botulinum toxin interferes with the ability of neurons to release acetylcholine at nerve-muscle junctures, thereby inducing the paralysis of botulism. Botulinum toxin is resistant to enzymatic digestion in the body and is used as an antispasmodic and a treatment for wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles.

2. Also called botulin

Example Sentences

Under UK law, only a doctor, prescribing nurse or pharmacist, or dentist is legally allowed to prescribe botulinum toxin - commonly known as Botox – after an appropriate face-to-face clinical assessment.

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Misuse of botulinum toxin can cause serious harm - from headaches and blurred vision to, in rare cases, respiratory failure or even death.

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She says that having botulinum toxin injected at such an early age risks building up a tolerance to it.

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The product is made from small, purified doses of botulinum toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

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She administered an illegal type of botulinum toxin, the ingredient used in legal Botox-type products, to a number of patients.

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