Potassium Bromide Solution

Anticonvulsant for refractory seizures in dogs and cats as monotherapy or adjunct to phenobarbital. Anticonvulsant (potassium bromide). Mechanism: bromide ions replace chloride ions in neuronal membranes → hyperpolarization and stabilization → raised seizure threshold. Acts via GABA-A receptor potentiation. Long half-life (25 days in dogs). Renal elimination. Loading doses needed for rapid therapeutic levels. Limited use in cats (respiratory signs). Key information IV potassium: NEVER give undiluted IV bolus — fatal cardiac arrest. Maximum IV rate 0.5 mEq/kg/hr. Monitor ECG during IV administration. Oral supplementation is safer route.

Oral solution: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. to minimize GI adverse effects. Administer once daily at consistent time. Loading doses: divide over several days or give with food to reduce vomiting risk. Compounded capsules: administer with food and water. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one. Always give with food. Do not double — long half-life.

Bromism (toxicity with high levels): ataxia, hindlimb weakness/paresis, sedation, pancreatitis (dogs — significant risk), polydipsia/polyuria, skin eruptions, stupor. Pancreatitis in dogs (potentially serious — monitor amylase/lipase). Salt intake affects levels (low-salt diet increases levels/toxicity). Cats: severe pulmonary infiltrates/eosinophilic bronchopneumonia.

For animals Cats: CONTRAINDICATED or use with extreme caution — severe pulmonary eosinophilic bronchopneumonia reported. Dogs: dietary sodium affects bromide levels — keep diet consistent. Monitor serum bromide levels (therapeutic range 1,000–2,000 mg/L). Pancreatitis risk in dogs. Loading doses: GI signs common — administer with food. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Anticonvulsant — Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after handling. Bromide ions can affect thyroid function with prolonged human exposure. Keep out of reach of children.

Contact your veterinarian. Overdose causes profound sedation, rear-limb weakness, and behavioral changes (bromism). Increase sodium chloride intake to promote excretion under veterinary guidance.