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(for veterinary information only)
Available through
compounding pharmacies
in assorted strength
liquids and capsules
Potassium bromide is not a licensed medication in the United States and special approval from the FDA must be given if it is to be used. In older times, bromides were indeed licensed and used routinely for treating seizure disorders in humans; however, when phenobarbital was introduced bromides were completely eclipsed. It soon became unprofitable to continue the FDA registration for bromides and the manufacture of bromides became relegated to chemical companies only.
The problem is that potassium bromide is a reliable anticonvulsant medication in dogs. When compared to phenobarbital, potassium bromide seems to be similarly effective and have fewer undesirable side effects. So far, no drug manufacturer has stepped forward to relicense this material as a medication and, fortunately, compounding pharmacies are willing to provide custom-made prescriptions.
Potassium bromide works by competing with chloride ions for access to brain tissues. As bromide levels in the brain rise and chloride levels drop, electrical activity in the central nervous system is inhibited, making the initiation of a seizure difficult.
This medication is generally reserved for dogs who cannot tolerate phenobarbital for seizures control due to unacceptable side effects or lack of effectiveness. It is generally mixed in water and provided as a liquid solution or as a capsule. Use of the liquid allows for more flexibility with dosage changes.
When potassium bromide therapy is initiated in a patient it is common to begin with a loading dose, which is a very high dose given for a short period of time to get the blood level up more quickly. It takes 3-4 months to get a stable bromide blood level.
Some nausea is associated with the administration of potassium bromide. Giving the medication with food generally controls this.
Since potassium bromide is a salt, excess thirst and urination can be observed with this medication.
Drowsiness or grogginess, which can be marked, is not abnormal during a loading period when potassium bromide therapy is started. It is important not to give more potassium bromide to a groggy pet even if another dose is due.
Occasionally a dog will develop a cough which resolves when potassium bromide is discontinued.
In human beings, a toxicity syndrome called bromism results when blood bromide levels become too high. Symptoms reported include: drowsiness, weakness, muscle tremors and soreness, appetite loss, and constipation as well as skin rashes. For this reason bromide levels are monitored periodically. A similar syndrome can occur in dogs if bromide levels become too high.
Dogs with a history of pancreatitis may experience an exacerbation if potassium bromide is used to treat a seizure disorder. This is particularly true for patients taking both bromide and phenobarbital.
The use of potassium bromide as a sole seizure control agent is no longer uncommon; however, the concurrent use of potassium bromide with phenobarbital allows for a reduction of phenobarbital use by 30% to 50%, which is usually enough to alleviate negative phenobarbital side effects. In many cases phenobarbital can be tapered off completely without seizure recurrence.
The administration of potassium bromide interferes with laboratory measurement of chloride, thus any tests for chloride will be falsely elevated.
Potassium bromide should be given with food.
In cats, over 1/3 of patients develop a severe asthma-like lung condition. Potassium bromide is not a good choice for seizure control in the cat. Phenobarbital or diazepam would be good alternatives.
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