title: Botulinum toxins: pharmacology and its current therapeutic evidence for use.
abstract: Botulinum toxins are, as a group, among the most potent neuromuscular toxins known, yet they are clinically useful in the management of conditions associated with muscular and glandular over-activity. Botulinum toxins act by preventing release of acetylcholine into the neuromuscular junction. While botulinum toxin type A is commonly available, different manufacturers produce specific products, which are not directly interchangeable and should not be considered as generically equivalent formulations. Type B is also available in the market. Each formulation of botulinum toxin is unique with distinct dosing, efficacy and safety profiles for each use to which it is applied. Botulinum toxin type A is the treatment of choice based on its depth of evidence in dystonias and most other conditions. Botulinum toxin type A is established as useful in the management of spasticity, tremors, headache prophylaxis and several other neurological conditions. Active research is underway to determine the parameters for which the type B toxin can be used in these conditions, as covered in this review. Botulinum toxin use has spread to several fields of medicine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, NIMHANS Hosur Road, Bangalore-560029, India.
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Panicker
authors.forename: U B
authors.initials: UB
authors.lastname: Muthane
mesh_terms: D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004421:Dystonia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D014202:Tremor / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins