Medicines to check before botulinum toxin

Hello, I’m Dr. Kim Yeon-jin, representative director of UHCELL Clinic Gangnam.

The medicine name on a packet and the date on a prescription matter just as much as a wrinkle photo. Even an injection planned for the forehead or eye area needs a review of the other medicines you use.

I review medicines before deciding on sites and amounts. Drugs affecting nerve-to-muscle signals and conditions already under treatment may change the plan. Taking medicine doesn’t automatically rule out a procedure.

Not every antibiotic has the same interaction

Botulinum toxin reduces signals from nerves to muscles. Some medicines, including aminoglycoside antibiotics, can affect neuromuscular transmission and may increase weakness when used with it.

“Some” matters. An antibiotic on a medicine list is not enough to decide. I check the ingredient, whether it was taken by mouth or injected, the reason for treatment and the last dose. When needed, the prescribing clinician helps review the timing.

Include muscle relaxants and recent injections

Tell us about muscle relaxants used for neck or back pain. Some can add to weakness, so the name and dose matter. Include injections received at another clinic.

For recent botulinum toxin elsewhere, bring the date, sites, product and dose if known. Jaw and forehead treatments still need to be reviewed together. Units of different products are not interchangeable and shouldn’t simply be converted.

• Names or package photos of prescriptions, nonprescription drugs and supplements
• Dose, start date and time of the last dose
• Type, date and site of recent injections
• Existing weakness, swallowing or breathing trouble, and conditions under treatment

Mark unknown details as unknown. Don’t guess.

Don’t stop medicine to fit an appointment

Skipping medicine doesn’t necessarily make a procedure appropriate. Interrupting antibiotics or treatment for a nerve or muscle condition may disrupt the original treatment. Don’t change a dose or its timing yourself.

There is no universal “skip 1 day” rule or fixed waiting period in this article. The medicine, treatment reason, health status and the actual product’s precautions need review. I put ongoing medical treatment before an elective cosmetic schedule. Postponing can be part of the plan.

New whole-body symptoms need prompt assessment

Local bruising is different from new trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking. Those symptoms need immediate emergency assessment. Report generalized weakness promptly too. In Korea, call 119 or go to an emergency department for breathing or swallowing difficulty.

Relevant reactions have been reported hours to weeks after injection; this does not mean everyone will experience them. Provide the injection date, product and recent medicines. The review accounts for individual differences and product precautions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does every antibiotic rule out treatment?

No. Interactions differ. The ingredient, dose and reason for treatment need review.

What if I don’t know the name?

Bring a medicine packet, prescription or package photo. Ask the treating clinic for injection names and dates.

Can I stop medicine for a few days?

Not on your own. The prescribing clinician and procedure clinician should review the medicine and treatment status before deciding.

※ Individual results and recovery periods may vary. We recommend consulting a specialist for an accurate medical diagnosis.