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How and Where is Botox Metabolized?

Through which channels is Botox metabolized? I have been trying to find a definitive answer on this, but can only find sources that say it is "probably" or "likely" metabolized in a certain way. How and where in the body is Botox metabolized?

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Wes881 in Miami, FL

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How Botox is metabolized

Since you ask, neurotoxins such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin produce their therapeutic effect by acting selectively on peripheral cholinergic motor nerve endings to inhibit the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. On intramuscular injection at therapeutic doses they produce partial chemical denervation of the muscle, resulting in a localized reduction in muscle activity. This is a permanent reaction within the... more

Metabolism of Botox

Botox attaches to the motor endplates of the nerves going to the muscles. These motor endplates, with or without Botox, routinely are broken down and replaced with new ones. The body breaks the end plates down and digests them with its own enzymes. The reason the effects of the Botox wear off is that new endplates form and the muscles start to move again.

Botox Metabolism

Botox is injected subcutaneously into the area where the wrinkles are treated. The botox then binds to the local nerve endings preventing the nerve complex from working. In this way, the muscle in the area that normally responds to the impulse is prevented from contracting. In this way the wrinkles, which are formed from the movement of the muslces lying underneath the skin, are softened. The body metabolizes the botox like it would any chemical substance through the... more

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