ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/potassium-bromide
US brand names:K-BroVet
Potassium Bromide is dosed at 70–80 mg/kg PO q24h in ferrets, per Huynh M, Piazza S, et al. Musculoskeletal and neurologic diseases. In: Quesenberry KE, OrcuttCJ, Mans C, eds. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2021:117-130. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.958 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 11.10 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Ferrets.a). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Bromide competes with chloride at GABA-A receptor chloride channels, hyperpolarizing neurons and raising seizure threshold. Also competes with chloride in renal tubules.
Long half-life (24 days in dogs) — takes 3-4 months for steady state. Loading dose can shorten this. CONTRAINDICATED in cats (severe respiratory disease/pneumonitis). Monitor serum bromide levels. Dietary chloride changes affect levels. Pancreatitis risk.
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugsAll Umbrella Cockatoo drugs
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| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 20–40 mg/kg | q24h | Strong | Boothe DM, Dewey C, Carpenter DM. Comparison of phenobarbital with bromide as a first-choice antiepileptic drug for treatment of epilepsy in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012;240(9):1073-1083. doi:10.2460/javma.240.9.1073; Podell M, Volk HA, Berendt M, et al. 2015 ACVIM small animal consensus statement on seizure management in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2016;30(2):477-490. (Plumb's Bromides, references on the maintenance-dosage line) doi:10.1111/jvim.13841 — BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.348 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.137-139, Bromides monograph, Dosages — DOGS. |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.