BOTOX is Allergan’s (AbbVie) onabotulinumtoxinA, the original FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A. It is a vacuum-dried neurotoxin complex — not a lyophilised powder — with human albumin 0.25 mg and sodium chloride 0.45 mg per 50 U vial and no preservative, reconstituted with preservative-free saline before intramuscular injection. Its potency units are specific to BOTOX and are not interchangeable with other toxins. Professional use only.
What is BOTOX 50 U?
BOTOX is Allergan’s onabotulinumtoxinA (AbbVie), the original branded botulinum toxin type A. It is supplied as a vacuum-dried neurotoxin complex — not a lyophilised powder — with human albumin and sodium chloride and no preservative, here in a 50 U vial. It is reconstituted with preservative-free saline before injection. Potency units are specific to this product and are not interchangeable with other botulinum toxin products.
How does BOTOX compare with Korean toxins?
BOTOX is the FDA-approved original onabotulinumtoxinA and is vacuum-dried, whereas most Korean toxins are freeze-dried. Its potency units are specific to BOTOX and cannot be converted 1:1 to Dysport, Xeomin or Korean toxins.
| BOTOX | Allergan/AbbVie · vacuum-dried · FDA-approved · 50 U |
|---|---|
| Dysport | Ipsen · lyophilised · FDA-approved · 500 U |
| Xeomin | Merz · free of complexing proteins · FDA-approved · 100 U |
What do clinics use BOTOX for?
Clinics select BOTOX for facial expression-line work and other aesthetic indications per its labelling. Dosing, dilution and injection points are product-specific and decided by the treating clinician; units are not interchangeable with other toxins.
Commonly selected for
- Practices standardised on the original BOTOX units
- Aesthetic expression-line protocols
- Smaller 50 U vial caseloads
- Clinics wanting the FDA-approved branded toxin
How is BOTOX supplied?
One 50 U vacuum-dried single-use vial with no preservative. Reconstitute with preservative-free 0.9% saline immediately before use and follow the manufacturer’s handling instructions.
Reviewed against publicly available manufacturer information. Indications, dosing and technique are product-specific per the manufacturer’s labeling and are decided by the treating clinician.
Specifications
| Brand | BOTOX® (Allergan / AbbVie) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Allergan, Inc. (an AbbVie company) |
| Origin | United States |
| Active | OnabotulinumtoxinA (50 U) |
| Composition | OnabotulinumtoxinA (Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin complex); with human albumin 0.25 mg and sodium chloride 0.45 mg per 50 U vial; no preservative |
| Units | 50 U |
| Format | 50 U vacuum-dried single-use vial |
| Areas | Facial expression lines (aesthetic use) |
| Delivery | Reconstitute with preservative-free 0.9% saline; inject intramuscularly per the practitioner’s protocol; use within the labelled time |
| Regulatory | OnabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX / BOTOX Cosmetic) is approved by the U.S. FDA. Regulatory status of any particular market pack should be confirmed by the buyer for their jurisdiction. |
| Administration | Injectable — by a qualified medical professional only |
| Storage & handling | Store refrigerated (2–8 °C) per the manufacturer’s instructions. |
Frequently asked questions
Is BOTOX vacuum-dried or a powder?
BOTOX is supplied vacuum-dried, not as a lyophilised powder. It is reconstituted with preservative-free 0.9% saline before use.
Is BOTOX FDA-approved?
Yes. OnabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX / BOTOX Cosmetic) is approved by the U.S. FDA. Buyers should confirm the regulatory status of a specific market pack for their jurisdiction.
What is in the 50 U vial?
OnabotulinumtoxinA with human albumin 0.25 mg and sodium chloride 0.45 mg, and no preservative.
Can BOTOX units be converted to other toxins?
No. BOTOX units are specific to this product and are not interchangeable 1:1 with Dysport, Xeomin or Korean toxins.
How is it stored?
Store and handle per the manufacturer’s instructions; reconstitute immediately before use.