Potassium bromide
KBroVet-CA1 (veterinary) · compounded potassium bromide
Potassium bromide is an old anti-seizure drug used in dogs, usually added to phenobarbital or levetiracetam when seizures are not controlled, and sometimes alone in dogs with liver disease. It has no human product, so it is dispensed as a conditionally approved veterinary chewable or compounded by a pharmacy. It is not used in cats.
What it is used for
Bromide calms overactive nerve cells and has been used for seizures for over a century. In dogs it is a slow drug: it takes months to reach a steady level unless a loading dose is given, and it stays in the body for weeks, which makes it forgiving of a missed dose but slow to adjust. Blood levels are measured to set the dose, and it is cleared by the kidneys rather than the liver, which is why it suits dogs whose liver cannot tolerate phenobarbital.
Sedation, wobbliness and increased hunger and thirst are common early and often settle; pancreatitis has been associated with it. Salt intake affects bromide levels, so a sudden change in diet or treats can shift seizure control.
Safety points that differ from human use
- Not for cats, in which it causes serious lung inflammation.
- Keep the diet consistent; a change in salt intake changes bromide levels and can trigger seizures or sedation.
- Never stop suddenly; the vet will taper it if it is ever withdrawn.
- Chewable tablets (KBroVet-CA1, veterinary)
- Compounded capsules and oral solutions
- Veterinary chewables in strengths for small to large dogs
- Compounded strengths to the vet’s prescription
Compounded solutions are made from the chemical to a concentration the vet specifies; the pharmacy’s label states it.
Why the cash price varies
There is no human product to fall back on, so the choice is between the conditionally approved veterinary chewable, bought from veterinary distributors, and a compounded solution or capsule, made to order. Compounded liquids are often the cheaper route for a large dog because the chemical itself costs little, but prices vary by compounder; the chewable is more convenient and consistent.
How to pay less
- Ask the vet whether a compounded solution or the veterinary chewable suits your dog, and compare quotes for both.
- For a compounded liquid, ask for the largest quantity the pharmacy’s beyond-use date allows.
- Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so compounding pharmacies and those stocking veterinary products can quote. You pay the pharmacy directly.
Questions for your vet
- Is this being added to another drug or replacing one?
- Will a loading dose be used, and when is the first blood level?
- How consistent must my dog’s diet be?
- Chewable or compounded liquid?
- What signs mean the level is too high?
Rules on refills, transfers and controlled substances differ by state; see pharmacy rules by state.
How Script Unlock gets you a cash price for your pet’s potassium bromide prescription
Prices on this site come from pharmacies responding to a real prescription. We do not publish estimated, average or "typical" prices, because none of those would be your price.
- 1You upload your prescription
A photo of your your pet’s potassium bromide prescription prescription is enough. Nothing is sold on the site; you are asking pharmacies to quote.
- 2Licensed pharmacies respond
Pharmacies that Script Unlock has verified see the request and each can reply with its own cash price for your exact drug, strength and quantity.
- 3You choose and pay the pharmacy
You compare the responses, pick a pharmacy, and pay that pharmacy directly when you collect. Script Unlock never takes a patient payment and never sets the price.
Related pet medications
Sources
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist. Last checked 2026-10-03. Nothing here replaces your vet\u2019s directions; doses for animals are set by weight and species.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.