For blepharospasm, reconstituted BOTULAX® 100 (see Dilution Table) is injected using a sterile, 27-30 gauge needle without electromyographic guidance. The initial recommended dose is 1.25-2.5U (0.05ml to 0.1 ml volume at each site) injected into the medial and lateral pre-tarsal orbicularis oculi of the upper lid and into the lateral pre-tarsal orbicularis oculi of the lower lid. In general, the initial effect of the injections is seen within three days and reaches a peak at one to two weeks post-treatment. Each treatment lasts approximately three months, following which the procedure can be repeated.
At repeat treatment sessions, the dose may be increased up to two-fold if the response from the initial treatment is considered insufficient-usually defined as an effect that does not last longer than two months. However, there appears to be little benefit obtainable from injecting more than 5.0U per site. Some tolerance may be found when the drug is used in treating blepharospasm if treatments are given any more frequently than every three months, and it is rare to have the effect be permanent. The cumulative dose of BOTULAX® 100 treatment in a 30-day period should not exceed 200U.