Activity: This is an anti-seizure medication. It raises the seizure threshold and limits the spread of epileptic discharges.

Indications: Used as adjunctive therapy to control seizures in dogs that are not adequately controlled by phenobarbital alone.  In patients suffering from hepatotoxicity (liver problems) potassium bromide may be used alone to control seizures.

Kinetics: Well absorbed after oral administration. The half-life is approximately 25 days. Excretion is by the kidneys.

Precautions: Older animals and those with other conditions may be prone to intolerance. Younger animals easily tolerate potassium bromide.

Adverse Effects: Transient sedation (up to 3 weeks) is commonly seen. Toxicity generally presents as profound sedation, ataxia, tremors, anorexia, vomiting, constipation, and rashes. Pancreatitis has been reported with some dogs that are receiving both potassium bromide and Phenobarbital.

Dosing: Clients must be committed to dosing this medication on a regular basis. Lack of good compliance is a major cause of therapeutic failure.  This medication may be given with food. Your pharmacist can compound potassium bromide into solid or liquid forms. Liquids may be flavored.