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Pronunciation
po-TASS-ee-um BROH-mide
Common Drug Name
Potassium Bromide
What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Potassium Bromide?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your pet is taking potassium bromide. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, may be pregnant or is nursing, or if you intend to breed your pet.
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
It is important that you DO NOT miss a dose of this medication. Missing a dose could cause a seizure. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.
What is the most important information I should know?
Potassium bromide, like all other medications for epilepsy and seizures, will not cure the disease. While taking potassium bromide, your pet will probably continue to have seizures but they will generally occur less frequently and be less severe. Keep a journal of when your pet has seizures, how long they last, if they are related to any other event, etc. This will help monitor the effectiveness of the potassium bromide.
Your pet may need periodic blood tests while taking potassium bromide.
Do not miss a dose and try to give the potassium bromide at the same time every day.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any side effects.
Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to it. The safety of this drug in pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young) has not been determined. Use with extreme caution in these animals.
Use with caution in animals with kidney disease, older animals, and those with other health problems.
What side effects may be seen when taking Potassium Bromide?
Side effects most often include transient sedation (drowsiness), especially when used with phenobarbital. This may last several weeks. May also see loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. Other side effects include increased thirst, drinking, and urination.
Cats: In addition to the above, cats may develop a respiratory condition similar to asthma.
Dogs: In addition to the above, may also develop skin rashes.
Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the above side effects.
When giving high doses, may see severe vomiting, muscle pain, twitching, staggering, an inability to use one or more limbs, or pupils of different sizes. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Potassium bromide, when used in conjunction with phenobarbital, has been associated with the development of pancreatitis, with signs that include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
How is it stored?
Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
Overdosing is more likely seen from chronic overdosing than with a single large dose. Signs may
include extreme sedation, incoordination, loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation, muscle pain or twitching, staggering, inability to use one or more limbs, decreased/slow reflexes, pupils of different
sizes, tremors, and other central nervous system (CNS) symptoms.
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What should I avoid when giving my pet Potassium Bromide?
Consult your veterinarian before using potassium bromide or sodium bromide with vitamins, supplements, diuretics (e.g., furosemide, Lasix), or drugs that affect the nervous system (e.g. sedatives), since interactions may occur. Salt intake needs to remain steady since chloride levels in the blood can affect the levels of bromide. Do not restrict salt intake or give salty foods or treats (e.g., pig ears)
while your pet is receiving potassium bromide. Contact your veterinarian before changing diets or types of treats.
Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the
Patient Information Sheet on this medication. | 
