What does potassium bromide treat?

What does potassium bromide treat?

Bromide (potassium bromide [KBr] or sodium bromide [NaBr]) is a halide anticonvulsant used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of epilepsy. KBr was first used in the treatment of epilepsy in humans in 1857 but since then has been replaced by newer anticonvulsants with fewer adverse effects.

What are the side effects of potassium bromide?

Side Effects

• Increased appetite.
• Increased thirst.
• Increased urine production.
• Lack of appetite.
• Vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Coughing.

Does potassium bromide come in pill form?

Potassium bromide is given either as a pill or as oral liquid once daily. It can be given with or without food; however, it has a bitter flavor which can usually be masked by giving it with food.

Is potassium bromide a sedative?

Potassium bromide (K Br) is a salt, widely used as an anticonvulsant and a sedative in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with over-the-counter use extending to 1975 in the US. Its action is due to the bromide ion (sodium bromide is equally effective).

How quickly does potassium bromide work?

Potassium bromide does not begin working right away. It may take six to twelve weeks before we see improved seizure control with potassium bromide. Do not become discouraged by this fact. We will monitor blood levels 3 weeks and 3-4 months after starting the medication.

Is potassium bromide a human drug?

Potassium bromide is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in humans to control seizures. In Germany, it is still approved as an antiepileptic drug for humans, particularly children and adolescents.

Are dogs in pain when they have seizures?

Despite the dramatic and violent appearance of a seizure, seizures are not painful, although the dog may feel confusion and perhaps panic. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not swallow their tongues during a seizure.

What does potassium bromide look like?

Potassium bromide appears as odorless colorless crystals or white crystalline powder or white granular solid with a pungent bitter saline taste. Aqueous solutions are neutral (pH about 7). (NTP, 1992)

How do you dissolve potassium bromide in water?

Potassium bromide is dissolved in double distilled water to form a solution of 200 or 250 mg/ml. The oral dose is 30 to 40 mg/kg of body weight once daily if used with phenobarbital and 30 to 80 mg/kg of body weight if used alone. A loading dose of bromide may be used when faster seizure control is necessary.

How much potassium bromide can you take in a day?

Potassium bromide is often loaded orally and then maintained at 20 and 35 mg/kg/day. Therapeutic blood level of potassium bromide is 1 to 3 mg/mL. If sodium bromide is used, the dosage is slightly reduced to 17 to 30 mg/kg/day.

Is potassium bromide safe for dogs with liver disease?

Potassium bromide is excreted through the kidneys and is therefore useful in dogs with liver disease, but the drug needs to be decreased in dose in dogs with any renal disease. Potassium bromide is dissolved in double distilled water to form a solution of 200 or 250 mg/ml.