Excessive doses of BOTOX (onabotulinum toxin A) For Injection may be expected to produce neuromuscular weakness with a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms of overdose are likely not to be present immediately following injection. Should accidental injection or oral ingestion occur or overdose be suspected, the person should be medically supervised for several weeks for signs and symptoms of systemic muscular weakness which could be local, or distant from the site of injection [see BOXED WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

These patients should be considered for further medical evaluation and appropriate medical therapy immediately instituted, which may include hospitalization.

If the musculature of the oropharynx and esophagus are affected, aspiration may occur which may lead to development of aspiration pneumonia. If the respiratory muscles become paralyzed or sufficiently weakened, intubation and assisted respiration may be necessary until recovery takes place. Supportive care could involve the need for a tracheostomy and/or prolonged mechanical ventilation, in addition to other general supportive care.

In the event of overdose, antitoxin raised against botulinum toxin is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA. However, the antitoxin will not reverse any botulinum toxin-induced effects already apparent by the time of antitoxin administration. In the event of suspected or actual cases of botulinum toxin poisoning, please contact your local or state Health Department to process a request for antitoxin through the CDC. If you do not receive a response within 30 minutes, please contact the CDC directly at 1-770-488-7100. More information can be obtained at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5232a8.htm.

Known Hypersensitivity to Botulinum Toxin

BOTOX is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any botulinum toxin preparation or to any of the components in the formulation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Infection at the Injection Site(s)

BOTOX is contraindicated in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s).

Urinary Tract Infection or Urinary Retention

Intradetrusor injection of BOTOX is contraindicated in patients with overactive bladder or detrusor overactivity associated with a neurologic condition who have a urinary tract infection. Intradetrusor injection of BOTOX is also contraindicated in patients with urinary retention and in patients with post-void residual (PVR) urine volume > 200 mL, who are not routinely performing clean intermittent self-catheterization (CIC).

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/4/2013
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.