Potassium bromide is a prescription drug often prescribed to control seizures in dogs. Depending on the types of seizures affecting dogs and their overall health status, this drug may or may not be used in conjunction with phenobarbital, another popular anti-seizure drug.
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Identification
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Potassium bromide, often abbreviated as KBr, is a salt with anticonvulsant properties. This drug is available in chewable tablets, capsules or easy-to-dose liquid solutions.
Function
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Potassium bromide works by inhibiting excitability of the nerve cells in the brain. This therapeutic course of action makes it difficult for seizures to start in the first place.
Use
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Potassium bromide is often prescribed in dogs suffering from side effects from phenobarbital, a faster-acting anti-seizure medication, or in dogs whose seizures were not properly controlled by phenobarbital alone.
Benefits
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Unlike phenobarbital, which may cause liver damage used long term, potassium bromide does not metabolize because it is mainly excreted by the kidneys.
Time Frame
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Potassium bromide may take up to four months to reach a stable concentration level in a dog's blood. However, at times a ''loading dose'' may be prescribed to reach an effective therapeutic level faster.
Warning
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A simple blood test may ensure safe concentrations of potassium bromide in the blood. Prescribing the ideal dose of potassium bromide without overdosing can be tricky at times. For this reason, a dog's potassium bromide blood levels should be checked by a veterinarian at least every six months.
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