POTASSIUM BROMIDE
(For veterinary information only)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please tell the veterinarian that your pet is taking this medication before any surgery.
As with all medications, it is extremely important that this medication be used ONLY for the pet for which it is prescribed.
BRAND NAME: POTASSIUM BROMIDE
HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED
Potassium bromide is a simple chemical compound made up of a potassium ion and a bromide ion. Potassium bromide is an anticonvulsant medication that may be used alone or in combination with phenobarbital in the prevention and suppression of epileptic seizures. It is effective and has few undesirable side effects.
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 thus making the initiation of a seizure difficult.
SIDE EFFECTS
Some nausea is associated with the administration of potassium bromide. This is generally controlled by giving the medication with food.
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.
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.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS
Potassium bromide is commonly prescribed concurrently with phenobarbital. Typically the use of potassium bromide allows for a reduction of phenobarbital use by 30-50% which is usually enough to alleviate negative phenobarbital side effects.
CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS
It is very important to comply fully with medication recommendations.
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.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 672-7800.