Potassium bromide (KBr) is a chemical compound that has historically been used as an anti-epileptic drug. While in previous centuries it had been used to treat humans, it eventually found use in dogs.
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History
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In the 19th century, bromides were being used to treat seizures in women until the early 20th century when Phenobarbital proved more effective. Later in the 20th century scientists began experimenting with bromides in treating dogs with epilepsy.
Sodium Bromide
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Sodium bromide (NaBr) is also used to treat epilepsy, often in tandem with potassium bromide. While there are no differences in effectiveness between the two, one may be preferable over the other depending on the dog's tolerance for potassium or need for sodium restriction.
Types
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Bromide comes in both liquid and capsule form. The liquid form may be preferable because the owner can adjust the dosage and simply squirt it on the food rather than attempt to hide a capsule. Additionally, liquid bromide can come in flavors to hide the potentially off-putting taste.
Availability
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Bromides are typically prescribed only when other anti-epileptic drugs prove ineffective, but many veterinarians do not carry it because it requires FDA approval to buy. The owner may need to look to a compounding pharmacy or veterinary school to find the drug.
Side Effects
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Bromides come with several side effects that decrease with time, including rash, increased hunger, increased thirst and increased urination, as well as the inability to control body movements. A study in the Canadian Veterinary Journal has also claimed a potential link between bromide and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which causes vomiting and abdominal pain.
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