Botulinum Toxin A

Botulinum toxin A is an example of inhibitors of acetylcholine release, which is a drug for treating overactive bladder. It blocks the release of acetylcholine from the presynaptic neuron and therefore acetylcholine cannot interact with receptors in the postsynaptic neuron to carry on neurotransmission in the parasympathetic nervous system. This results in a decline in contraction of detrusor muscle in the bladder and brings back a normal activity of the bladder. Adopting this therapy to treat overactive bladder can raise the risk of having urinary retention, hematuria and infections in the lower urinary tract.