Potassium Bromide
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Potassium Bromide during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
This medicine is used to help stop seizures from happening in dogs.
It may be given either with meals or on an empty stomach. Giving it with food can reduce stomach upset and can also help cover up the bitter flavor.
You may not see the full results right away. It can take a number of weeks before the medicine reaches its full effect.
Sleepiness is the side effect seen most often. This usually becomes less noticeable after the first few weeks. Other possible effects include throwing up, loose stools, constipation, and drinking more, eating more, and peeing more.
Call your veterinarian if you see trouble walking, very strong sleepiness, wobbling, poor balance or clumsy movement, serious vomiting, or a lot of drooling.
Other common names
- KBroVet-CA1
Uses
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines, vitamins, or supplements your pet is using
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before
- Any bad reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past
- What could happen if this medicine is used while your pet is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use in:
- Dogs that have an allergy to bromides
- Cats
Use with caution in:
- Senior pets
- Pets with kidney disease
- Pets with diabetes mellitus
- Pets with low cortisol (Addison disease)
- Pets that are taking water pills (diuretic medicines)
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication?
Potassium bromide is given to help prevent seizures in dogs.
You can give it with food or without food. Giving it with food may reduce stomach upset and may help hide the bitter taste.
When potassium bromide is started for the first time, your veterinarian may tell you to give a larger amount at the beginning. The goal is to raise the medicine level in your pet’s blood sooner. Follow your veterinarian’s directions exactly.
Before you change your pet’s food, speak with your veterinarian. Changes in how much salt is in the diet can change how well this medicine works.
If you are using a liquid form, measure it with an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian ordered it. Always follow the directions printed on the prescription label.
Side effects
- Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Sleepiness and wobbly or poorly coordinated movement. This often improves as time goes on.
- Vomiting or eating less than usual. Giving the dose with food may reduce these problems.
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Eating more, drinking more, and peeing more
- Weight gain
- Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following:
- Skin rashes
- Very heavy sleepiness
- Behavior changes, including acting aggressive or easily irritated
- Muscle pain or muscle twitching, being unable to move normally or feeling weak, stumbling, heavy drooling, or very large pupils
- Vomiting or diarrhea that is severe or does not stop, belly pain, or low energy. These signs could mean swelling/inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), especially when potassium bromide is used together with phenobarbital.
How will I know it's working?
This medicine must be given regularly for several weeks before it reaches its full effect.
As the medicine becomes fully effective, you should notice your pet’s signs slowly improving. Side effects, however, may show up right away.
Your veterinarian will need to do follow-up testing to check how well the medicine is working and to confirm your pet is handling it safely.
If your pet’s signs get worse or do not get better, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, the effects of this medicine may continue for up to a couple of months.
If your pet’s kidneys do not work as well, the effects may continue for an even longer time.
How long do I give it for?
Some pets take this medicine for different time periods, but it is often used for life.
Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs.
Refill the prescription on time so treatment is not interrupted.
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen, or you think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If you can, have the medicine container or the label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the normal scheduled time.
- Continue with the usual schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
Keep the medicine in its original container at normal room temperature.
Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not put this medicine into the toilet and do not pour it into a sink drain.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available.
- At-home disposal: Combine the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, place the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and throw it into the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to someone else to use.
The chewable tablets are flavored to encourage pets to eat them. Because of this, it is important to store them securely and far out of reach to help prevent accidental overdose.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”