Potassium bromide
Also known as: Bromilep, Epilease, Libromide
**Important Information for Pet Owners:** * **Dietary Consistency is Crucial:** The amount of salt in your dog's diet directly affects how this medication works. Do not change your dog's food, and be very careful with treats or table scraps. A sudden increase in salt will cause the drug to be flushed out of the body, potentially leading to seizures. * **Patience is Needed:** This drug takes a very long time (up to 3-4 months) to reach its full, stable effect in the body unless your vet uses a high "loading dose" initially. * **Side Effects:** Increased thirst, increased appetite, and increased urination are common. During the first few weeks, or if a loading dose is used, your dog may appear very sleepy, wobbly, or uncoordinated. Contact your vet if this is severe. * **NEVER GIVE TO CATS:** This medication is highly toxic to cats and can cause a fatal lung condition.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Control of seizures (Maintenance)
- Control of seizures (5-day Loading Dose)
- Control of seizures (Single Loading Dose)
- Control of seizures (Intrarectal Loading)
- Contraindicated
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Ataxia
- Sedation
- Somnolence
- Vomiting (especially with high concentration solutions >250 mg/ml)
- Polyphagia
- Polydipsia
- Pancreatitis
- Skin reactions (in animals with pre-existing skin diseases)
- Behavioural changes (irritability, restlessness)
- Transient diarrhoea (with intrarectal loading)
Cautions & contraindications
- Cats (causes severe, potentially fatal eosinophilic bronchitis)
- Dogs with a history of, or predisposition to, pancreatitis
- > **Dietary Consistency:** High levels of dietary salt increase renal elimination of bromide. It is critical that the patient's diet (including treats) be kept strictly constant once bromide therapy has started. > **Laboratory Artifact:** Bromide is measured in assays for chloride and will produce falsely high 'chloride' results. > **Renal Impairment:** Use with caution in dogs with renal disease, as bromide is eliminated by the kidneys. > **Loading Dose Risks:** Loading doses are associated with an increased incidence of adverse effects (sedation, ataxia) and should only be used in dogs with poorly controlled severe seizures.
Drug interactions
- Dietary salt (Sodium chloride): Increased dietary salt increases renal elimination of bromide, decreasing serum bromide concentrations.
- Chloride-containing IV fluids: Increases bromide excretion and lowers serum bromide levels.
- Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide): Increases bromide excretion and decreases serum bromide concentrations.
- Phenobarbital: Synergistic GABA-ergic anticonvulsant effects.
Frequently asked questions
What is Potassium bromide used for in pets?
**Important Information for Pet Owners:** * **Dietary Consistency is Crucial:** The amount of salt in your dog's diet directly affects how this medication works. Do not change your dog's food, and be very careful with treats or table scraps. A sudden increase in salt will cause the drug to be flushed out of the body, potentially leading to seizures. * **Patience is Needed:** This drug takes a very long time (up to 3-4 months) to reach its full, stable effect in the body unless your vet uses a high "loading dose" initially. * **Side Effects:** Increased thirst, increased appetite, and increased urination are common. During the first few weeks, or if a loading dose is used, your dog may appear very sleepy, wobbly, or uncoordinated. Contact your vet if this is severe. * **NEVER GIVE TO CATS:** This medication is highly toxic to cats and can cause a fatal lung condition.
Is Potassium bromide safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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