It soon became unprofitable to continue the FDA registration for bromides and the manufacture of bromides became relegated to chemical companies only. The problem is that in Veterinary Medicine, potassium bromide is a far superior anticonvulsant medication than phenobarbital. It seems to be more effective and have fewer undesirable side effects.
Potassium bromide works by competing with chloride ions for access to brain tissues.
As bromide levels in the brain rise and chloride levels drop, electrical activity in the central nervous system is inhibited thus making the initiation of a seizure difficult. This medication is generally reserved for dogs who cannot tolerate phenobarbital for seizures control due to unacceptable side effects or lack of effectiveness. It is generally mixed in water and provided as a liquid solution. Some nausea is associated with the administration of potassium bromide. This is generally controlled by giving the medication with food.