Formulations of and dosing protocols for the administration of botulinum toxin that maximize efficacy and specificity while minimizing the likelihood of overdosing and undesirable side effects of treatment. The formulations include positively charged carriers, such as cationic peptides, which otherwise have no inherent botulinum-toxin-like activity. The dosing regimen is based on the pattern, quantity, and location of neuromuscular junctions in the target tissue. Because the number of neuromuscular junctions in a target tissue remains generally stable throughout life and because the pharmacological effect of botulinum toxin is localized at the neuromuscular junction, dosing efficacy is unaffected by muscle mass, age of the patient, or body weight.
