Do antibiotics fight off Botox?

Question

I had Botox and then got the flu 4 days later and was given antibiotics 3 days after getting the flu. Yesterday my forehead was nice and smooth and today (day 2 of antibiotics) it has much more movement through half of it. Are the antibiotics actually fighting off the Botox?

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

The antibiotic you are taking should not interfere with the botox. You may have another reason for the reason the botox isn't taking effect as expected. I suggest contacting the injector's office and scheduling a quick visit. Good luck.

Parker A. Velargo, MD, FACS · Answer

Antibiotics do not decrease the effectiveness of Botox.  Remember that it takes about 2 weeks to see the full effects of a Botox treatment.  Additionally, because it's rare to completely "freeze" the forehead with a Botox treatment, one is typically capable of some residual movement even after 2 weeks.  You may have been moving your forehead more than usual with motion that occurs with sneezing or coughing, and this may have given you the perception of decreased effect.  Once your symptoms improve, I'll bet your forehead will smooth once more.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

antibiotics are medications that either prevent bacteria from replicating or kill them.  They do not affect botox which is a protein.

Jennifer Reichel, MD · Answer

No. Antibiotics will not decrease the effect of Botox. Good question. There are some that may potentiate binding of Botox to the receptor, but, from my understanding, none will cause Botox to "not work"

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

It is unusual for Botox to be rendered less effective with anabiotics Sometimes anabiotics can render Botox more effective.

Jessica Lattman, MD · Answer

I do not know of any medications that reduce the effect of Botox.  Sorry about your experience but I don't think it was the antibiotics.

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

In my expert opinion and knowledge, I do not believe that antibiotics would interfere with the effect of Botox or any other neuromodulator medication. Keep in mind that it takes about one week to reach maximum effect of Botox or Dysport. In any event, I hope you are feeling better.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are no contraindications between most antibiotics and Botox.  I recommend having a follow up with your doctor. You can take antibiotics following botox without a problem. If you're not feeling well I would wait on your botox until you're well. If you're wondering if antibiotics are indicated following botox, then no, it is not normal to take antibiotics at all just for botox. Hope that helps. Best of Luck!

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

Antibiotics are used to fight bacterial infections. To my knowledge, they have no impact on the effects of Botox.

Esta Kronberg, MD · Answer

Antibiotics should not decrease your Botox treatment. After you get well check in with your doctor. Every once in awhile a patient gets resistant to the Botox. We do have other brands such as Dysport and Xeomin that  can be used for future treatments if you have become resistant.

Do antibiotics fight off Botox?

Answers (17)

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