Potassium Bromide (K-BroVet®)
Introduction to potassium bromide
Potassium Bromide is an anticonvulsant medication used to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in pets. Although no seizure medication can guarantee that a pet will be completely seizure-free, regular administration is crucial for effectiveness. Potassium Bromide is typically administered once a day and should always be given with food. Remember to schedule refill pickups at least one week in advance and set reminders to maintain a consistent dosing schedule.
Missed doses and Changing medications
It is very important to give this medication on schedule. Make a note of when you need refills, and try to get them as early as is practical. Set a timer on your watch or phone to help remind you to give the medication on schedule.
If you miss a single dose of Potassium Bromide, skip this dose and resume the normal schedule as soon as you remember.
In general, seizure medications should be tapered before stopping. As always, please contact your medical team before making changes to your pet’s medication.
Monitoring and Lab work
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for pets on seizure medications. We recommend biannual visits to discuss your pet's progress. Blood work is often conducted to monitor Potassium Bromide levels, initially three months after starting or changing the dose and then twice yearly thereafter, as drug levels can fluctuate over time.
Special Precautions
Medication Form: Shake the liquid form well before use. Do not switch between liquid and tablets without discussing this with your veterinarian, as the medication can be absorbed differently in different forms. In general, we recommend the liquid form of the medication over the tablets, as it seems to cause less GI side effects.
Dietary Consistency: It’s best to keep your pet on the same dog food, as changes in salt content will change how the body metabolizes this medication. Similarly, salty snacks or drinking ocean water can dangerously drop your pets medication levels and should be avoided.
IV Fluids: IV fluids can cause a sudden drop in blood levels of this medication. Discuss this with your veterinarian before any surgical procedures or hospitalizations.
Potential Side effects
Many pets will take this medication with no side effects, or a low level of tolerable side effects. Regular checkups and bloodwork ensure that we are using this very effective seizure medication safely. You should contact your medical team if any side effect is excessive and interfering with you or your pet’s quality of life:
Many pets will act sleepy or drunk while their body adjust to the medication. It can take two weeks for some pets to adjust. If your pet is especially uncoordinated, keep them away from things like swimming pools and staircases until they are more sure on their feet.
Some pets will be much hungrier on this medication. Monitor the amount of food they are eating. It may be helpful to switch them to a diet food so they can eat more food and not get fat. It is also important to watch for inappropriate eating some dogs will start eating toys or getting into the garbage while they are on this medication.
Some pets will be thirsty and will need to urinate more often on this medication. It is important not to restrict their water intake during the day. If they are having accidents overnight, you may pull up their water after dinnertime, but be sure to give them a full bowl of water in the morning.
Some pets will vomit on this medication. This can often be fixed by giving half of the dose twice a day rather than a full dose once a day. If your pet is vomiting, discuss dividing the dose with your veterinarian
This medication has been associated with pancreatitis in dogs. Dog with chronic pancreatitis may be better served with a different seizure medication.
Cats cannot be safely given this medication due to a serious respiratory complication.
Your dog’s chloride levels will read as high on most bloodwork. This is normal, and is simply the machine mistaking the bromide in the medication for the similar molecule chloride.
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Phone: (415)967-3303
Email: frontdesk@remedyvets.com