MDose · Veterinary drug reference
POTASSIUM BROMIDE
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Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
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Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications4
Primary or adjunctive therapy for idiopathic epilepsy, especially add-on when phenobarbital alone insufficient or hepatotoxicity develops
DogExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Primary or adjunctive therapy for idiopathic epilepsy, especially add-on when phenobarbital alone insufficient or hepatotoxicity develops — Extra-label (no FDA-approved veterinary product)
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
2nd/3rd-line for refractory seizures
CatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: 2nd/3rd-line for refractory seizures — Extra-label — some consider contraindicated due to pulmonary risk
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
KBroVet (potassium bromide chewable tablets) are indicated for the control of seizures associated with idiopathic epilepsy in dogs.
Species not recordedOn-label (ON_LABEL)United States2 source records · View provenance
- Species not recorded · SPL section 34067-9 (INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION) · United States · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
- Species not recorded · SPL section 34067-9 (INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION) · United States · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens5
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
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Adverse effects114
Transient sedation (up to 3 weeks) — Common
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
PU/PD, polyphagia/weight gain, GI upset (esp. with rapid loading) — Common
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Toxicity: profound sedation→stupor, ataxia, tremors, hind-limb paresis — At levels >~15 mmol/L (some tolerate to 30)
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pancreatitis — Reported, esp. combined with phenobarbital
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Lower respiratory signs (cough, dyspnea) — can be serious/fatal — Documented, reversible on discontinuation
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Seizure NOS79 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS72 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')43 reports
- Ataxia42 reports
- Other abnormal test result NOS31 reports
- Vomiting31 reports
- INEFFECTIVE, SEIZURES23 reports
- Diarrhoea19 reports
- Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP)17 reports
- Cough16 reports
- Death by euthanasia16 reports
- Limb weakness16 reports
Cat
- Cardiac arrest1 reports
- Death1 reports
- Decreased haematocrit1 reports
- Decreased mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)1 reports
- Decreased mean corpuscular volume (MCV)1 reports
- Iron deficiency anaemia1 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS1 reports
Monitoring1
Serum bromide levels: dog therapeutic range 1–3 mg/mL (lower end if combined with phenobarbital); check at 3–4 weeks (no load) or immediately post-load + 1 month + 3 months.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications2
KBroVet should not be used in animals with a history of hypersensitivity to bromide.
Species not recordedOn-label (ON_LABEL)United States2 source records · View provenance
- Species not recorded · SPL section 34070-3 (CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION) · United States · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
- Species not recorded · SPL section 34070-3 (CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION) · United States · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions8
Cats — extreme caution given pulmonary risk, some avoid entirely; renal dysfunction needs dose adjustment; keep dietary chloride constant
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Loading dose given all at once often causes vomiting — divide over the loading period (e.g., q6h ×2 days).
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Do not alter the pet's diet (especially chloride/salt content) without checking with the vet — dietary chloride changes directly shift bromide levels and seizure control.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Bromide can falsely elevate serum chloride on some assays — be aware when interpreting electrolyte panels.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Not for human use. Keep out of reach of children. Contact a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans.
Species not recordedOn-label (ON_LABEL)United States2 source records · View provenance
- Species not recorded · SPL section 34071-1 (WARNINGS SECTION) · United States · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
- Species not recorded · SPL section 34071-1 (WARNINGS SECTION) · United States · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions4
Diuretics (furosemide, thiazides) — ↑ bromide excretion — affects seizure control
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Low/high salt diets — Chloride ion content directly affects bromide serum levels/toxicity — keep diet chloride constant
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
CNS sedating drugs — Additive sedation
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Phenobarbital — Combination raises pancreatitis risk; bromide dose adjustment as phenobarbital is tapered
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics6
Bioavailability — 60–100%, well absorbed (also rectally)
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Protein binding — None
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Half-life — 16–25 days (dog); ~10 days (cat)
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Elimination — Renal
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Mechanism of action: KBr is a halide salt that is thought to exert its antiepileptic activity by passing through neuronal chloride ion channels,thereby hyperpolarizing neuronal membranes, raising the seizure threshold, and stabilizing neurons against excitatory input from epileptic foci. Pharmacokinetics : The pharmacokinetics of a multi-dose regimen of administration in normal dogs have been evaluated as described in a comprehensive literature review. In one study, KBr was administered at 30 mg/kg orally every 12 hrs for a period of 115 days. Serum, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bromide concentrations were measured at the onset of dosing, during the accumulation phase, at steady-state, and after a subsequent dose adjustment. Median elimination half-life and steady-state serum concentration were 15.2 days and 245 mg/dL (2.45 mg/mL), respectively. Apparent total body clearance was 16.4 mL/day/kg and volume of distribution was 0.40 L/kg. The CSF:serum bromide ratio at steady state was 0.77. Bromide distributes into the CSF and interstitial tissues of the brain and is actively transported out of the CNS via the choroid plexus. At pharmacological doses, the active transport mechanism is overwhelmed and bromide accumulates in the brain and CSF. Bromide is not metabolized by the liver and is eliminated unchanged, primarily by renal clearance. Increased dietary consumption of chloride can promote loss of bromide in the urine, leading to a lowering of serum bromide concentrations. Decreased chloride consumption will promote increased renal reabsorption of bromide, causing an increase in bromide elimination half-life in dogs.
Species not recordedOn-label (ON_LABEL)United States1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · SPL section 34090-1 (CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION) · United States · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Safety not established. Human infant bromide intoxication/growth retardation reported with maternal use, including via breastfeeding. Use with caution in pregnancy/lactation.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 158–160; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed. — not a distinct monograph (referenced under phenobarbital, p. 624–626) — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references18
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- Bromide toxicosis (bromism) secondary to a decreased chloride intake after dietary transition in a dog with idiopathic epilepsy: a case report.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Different outcomes of multiple sialadenitis involving the submandibular and zygomatic salivary glands in a Welsh Corgi dog.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Whole blood trace element and toxic metal concentration in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and healthy dogs: A case-control study.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Daytime and nocturnal activity in treated dogs with idiopathic epilepsy compared to matched unaffected controls.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Designing, structural determination and biological effects of rifaximin loaded chitosan- carboxymethyl chitosan nanogel.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine; PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
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