5 min readUpdated
Can You Get Botox While on Antibiotics? The One Class That Matters
Most antibiotics do not interact with Botox. The class the FDA label warns about, why the infection you are treating matters more than the pill, and what to tell your injector.
If you only read one thing
Usually, yes. Most antibiotics, including amoxicillin, cephalosporins and doxycycline, have no known interaction with Botox. The Botox Cosmetic label warns only about aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, which can increase the toxin's effect; gentamicin is given by injection for serious infections. What matters more is the infection itself: Botox should not be injected where there is an infection at the injection site, and it is better to reschedule if you have a fever or feel unwell.
- Most antibiotics, including amoxicillin and doxycycline, have no known interaction with Botox.
- The label warns about aminoglycosides, which can increase the effect of the toxin.
- Gentamicin, a common aminoglycoside, is given by injection for serious infections, per MedlinePlus.
- An infection at the injection site is a reason not to inject, according to the Botox Cosmetic label.
- Never stop an antibiotic early for an appointment; move the Botox instead.
- Botox at KORA: $13.50 / unit, with a complimentary consultation.
On this page 7 sections
Can you get Botox while on antibiotics? For most people on a routine course, yes. In this guide I explain the one group of antibiotics the Botox label warns about, why the infection you are being treated for usually matters more than the antibiotic itself, and what to tell us before your appointment.
The short answer
Most antibiotics have no known interaction with Botox; the one class the label names is the aminoglycosides.
| Situation | Usual approach |
|---|---|
| Routine oral antibiotic (for example amoxicillin, a cephalosporin, doxycycline) and you feel well | Usually fine to treat as planned; tell us the medication |
| Aminoglycoside antibiotic (for example gentamicin, tobramycin) | Wait, and plan timing with your prescribing doctor |
| Infection on the face or near the injection area | Wait until it has cleared |
| Feverish or unwell, whatever the antibiotic | Reschedule until you have recovered |
| Not sure what you are taking | Bring the name or the packaging to the visit |
The antibiotic class the Botox label warns about
The Botox Cosmetic prescribing information names aminoglycoside antibiotics as a drug interaction. It says Botox used together with aminoglycosides, or other drugs that interfere with the signal between nerve and muscle, should be used with caution, because the effect of the toxin may be increased. Botox works by blocking that nerve-to-muscle signal, and aminoglycosides have a weaker blocking effect of their own, so the two can add together.
Aminoglycosides are not everyday tablets. Gentamicin, a common example, is described by MedlinePlus (the US National Library of Medicine) as an injection used for certain serious infections, given into a vein or a muscle. Its own boxed warning lists nerve problems, including muscle twitching or weakness, and it asks patients to tell their doctor about muscle conditions such as myasthenia gravis. If you are on a medicine like this, you are usually being treated for something serious enough that cosmetic Botox should wait anyway.
Never stop an antibiotic early to fit in a Botox appointment. Finish the course as prescribed. It is always easier to move your Botox than to treat an infection that comes back.
The antibiotics most people are asking about
Common oral antibiotics for a sinus, urinary, dental or skin infection are not aminoglycosides, and the Botox label does not list them as an interaction. Amoxicillin and other penicillins, cephalosporins, and doxycycline fall into this group. That does not mean the question can be skipped. Expect to be asked for a full medication list, antibiotics included, because it is the only reliable way to catch the medicines that do matter. The label also warns that muscle relaxants may add to muscle weakness, so mention those too.
If you have finished a course and feel well, there is nothing to wait for. If you are midway through a short course and feel well, the next question is about the infection itself.
Why the infection matters more than the antibiotic
For most patients on antibiotics, the deciding factor is where the infection is and how unwell you feel. The Botox Cosmetic label says Botox should not be injected where there is an infection at the planned injection site, and advises caution where there is inflammation. That applies to an infected pimple on the forehead, a cold sore near a lip flip site, or a skin infection close to the treatment area.
- Infection on or near the faceWait until it has fully cleared before that area is injected.
- Fever or feeling unwellReschedule. You will be more comfortable, and if you develop new symptoms in the days after treatment, it is clearer what caused them.
- Dental infection or recent dental workTell us, especially if you are booked for a lip flip or lower-face treatment.
- Infection elsewhere, finished treatment, feeling wellUsually no reason to wait.
What to tell us before your Botox appointment
A complete list of what you take lets us check interactions properly. Before treatment, tell us about:
- Every antibiotic, including the name, the dose and what it is for, and whether you have finished the course.
- Other prescriptions, especially muscle relaxants and blood thinners. Mayo Clinic notes that blood thinners raise the risk of bruising; never stop one without your prescribing doctor’s advice.
- Recent botulinum toxin injections, cosmetic or medical. Mayo Clinic asks patients to mention any Botox-type injection within the past four months.
- Muscle or nerve conditions, such as myasthenia gravis, which need a careful conversation before any botulinum toxin.
- Pregnancy, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, because there is not enough safety data, and the usual advice is to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
After treatment, the usual aftercare applies, and it is the same whether or not you have taken antibiotics. It is all in my main guide, what not to do after Botox. For a broader look at side effects and who should not have Botox, read is Botox safe?
Botox at KORA in Scottsdale
Bring your medication list to your complimentary consultation.
Botox
Per unit$13.50 / unit
Frown lines
Per unit$13.50 / unit
Consultation
Assessment and planComplimentary
Prices come from our current price list. Your plan and total are confirmed at a complimentary consultation before anything begins.
Learn more about Botox at KORA, at our clinic on the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley border.
BotoxBotox in Scottsdale at KORA Aesthetics — $13.50 per unit, injected by a board-certified nurse practitioner and national clinical trainer. Forehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet, bunny lines, dimpled chin, masseter slimming, neck bands, hyperhidrosis and chronic migraine. See Botox cost per area, how long it lasts, and what to expect at each stage.See treatment, prices and resultsFrequently asked questions
Can I get Botox while taking amoxicillin?
Usually, yes. Amoxicillin is a penicillin, not an aminoglycoside, and has no known interaction with Botox. The infection should not be near the treatment area, and you should feel well.
Which antibiotics interact with Botox?
The Botox Cosmetic label names aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin and tobramycin, which may increase the toxin's effect.
Do antibiotics make Botox less effective?
Common antibiotics have no known effect on how well Botox works. Aminoglycosides may increase its effect, rather than reduce it.
Should I stop my antibiotics before Botox?
No. Finish the course as prescribed, and move your Botox if the timing does not work.
Can I get Botox with an infection?
Not where the infection is. The label says Botox should not be injected into an infected site, and it is better to reschedule if you have a fever or feel unwell.
How long after antibiotics can I get Botox?
If you have finished a routine course and feel well, there is usually no wait. For aminoglycosides, plan timing with your prescribing doctor.
How much does Botox cost at KORA?
Botox at KORA Aesthetics: $13.50 / unit. The consultation is complimentary.
Sources
Katie Manhardt
Board-certified family nurse practitioner and founder of KORA Aesthetics in Scottsdale. Katie is a national clinical trainer for Galderma and Prollenium — selected to teach injection technique and facial anatomy to other medical professionals. Every treatment at KORA is performed by Katie or by one…
