Metallic taste: an unusual reaction to botulinum toxin A.
BACKGROUND
Botulinum neurotoxin formulations are safe and effective agents for the treatment of facial rhytides.


OBJECTIVE
A patient is described who complained of metallic taste after each treatment with botulinum toxin A (BTX-A).


RESULTS
The sensation of metallic taste diminished after successive treatments with BTX-A, despite adequate dosing for cosmetic purposes.


CONCLUSIONS
Metallic taste is associated with the use of numerous medications; however, the pathogenesis remains unclear. Alteration in zinc metabolism, which may occur with BTX-A administration, has been suggested as a possible mechanism. Although this is the first known report of dysgeusia after BTX-A, physicians and patients may be reassured that the taste alteration was self-limited and was not significantly problematic for the patient in our case.
Murray
Christian
C
University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. christian.murray@utoronto.ca
Solish
Nowell
N
D000328:Adult; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A