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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

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

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

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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).

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database