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Potassium Bromide

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Halide anticonvulsant
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog
Brands
2 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Bromide ions substitute for chloride in neuronal membranes, hyperpolarizing neurons and raising seizure threshold

At a glance

Class
Halide anticonvulsant
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1960-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Epilepsy (adjunct to phenobarbital or monotherapy)
Dose
20–40 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
2000 mg
Duration: Long-term; steady state in 3–4 months; loading dose 400–600 mg/kg divided over 5 days if needed

Formulations

💊

Chewable tablet — 1

Strength
250mg
🧴

Oral solution — 1

Strength
250mg/mL

Storage

Store at room temperature

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Cats (causes fatal eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy)
    Do NOT use in cats

Use with caution

  • Renal impairment
    Renally excreted; dose adjustment needed

Adverse effects

Common
Polyphagia
Polyuria/polydipsia
Sedation
Ataxia (hind limbs)
Serious
Bromide toxicosis (stupor, tremors)
Pancreatitis
Megaesophagus (rare)

Monitoring parameters

Serum bromide levels (therapeutic: 1–3 mg/mL)Seizure frequencyThyroid levels

Interactions

Major — 1

Furosemide
major
Loop diuretics increase renal bromide excretion by competing for chloride reabsorption, causing rapid drop in bromide levels
Management: Avoid furosemide in patients on potassium bromide. If diuretic needed, use a non-loop diuretic. Monitor bromide levels.

Moderate — 2

Phenobarbital
moderate
Additive CNS depression; combined use common but requires careful dose titration
Management: Standard combination for refractory epilepsy. Start bromide at lower dose and titrate. Monitor for excessive sedation.
Chlorothiazide
moderate
Thiazide diuretics increase renal bromide excretion via competitive chloride-bromide transport, reducing bromide levels.
Management: Monitor bromide levels when adding diuretics. Adjust bromide dose to maintain therapeutic range.

Brands

International

K-BroVet
PRN Pharmacal

India

KBr Veterinary Compounded
Compounding pharmacies

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Potassium Bromide?
Potassium Bromide is a halide anticonvulsant used in pets. Bromide ions substitute for chloride in neuronal membranes, hyperpolarizing neurons and raising seizure threshold
›What is Potassium Bromide used for in pets?
Potassium Bromide is used in veterinary medicine for: Epilepsy (adjunct to phenobarbital or monotherapy).
›What is the Potassium Bromide dose for dogs?
For dogs, Potassium Bromide is typically dosed as follows — Epilepsy (adjunct to phenobarbital or monotherapy): 20–40 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Potassium Bromide?
Common: Polyphagia, Polyuria/polydipsia, Sedation, Ataxia (hind limbs). Serious (call your vet immediately): Bromide toxicosis (stupor, tremors), Pancreatitis, Megaesophagus (rare).
›Does Potassium Bromide need a prescription?
Yes. Potassium Bromide is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Potassium Bromide not be used?
Do not use Potassium Bromide if: Cats (causes fatal eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy).

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →