Potassium Bromide Research Paper

In the veterinary field, numerous drugs are used on animals and different types of drugs have various effects on the body. These drugs have primary uses in practice but may have various other effects on the body that allow them to be used for multiple reasons. They may also have negative effects and are therefore contraindicated depending on the patient, patient’s condition, or species. Some drugs may act similarly or differently but have comparable effects and similar purposes. Two drugs used in veterinary patients are Potassium Bromide and Phenobarbital.
Potassium bromide (KBr) is classified as a salt while Phenobarbital (Pb) belongs to a group of a type of drugs known as barbiturates. However, both drugs are indicated for the treatment of …show more content…
While Pb may act almost immediately KBr can take months to exert its effects. In other words, KBr has a longer half-life. Once absorbed KBr acts on GABA receptors also known as the receptor that depresses the actions of certain neurons that it attaches to. Both KBr and Pb are GABA receptor agonists, as opposed to antagonists. KBr may regulate seizures through neuronal hyperpolarization, leading to a higher threshold towards seizures. In this case, it is the act of impeding certain action’s capacities by increasing the amount of force required to move the membrane potential to the verge of causing an epileptic episode. So, KBr decreases the chances of seizures by helping the animal’s body withstand the stimuli required to cause a seizure. Pb imitates GABA receptors. Pb is said to hinder selectively permeable channels for calcium, resulting in a decrease in transmitters that cause agitation and excitement. In general, calcium does help nerves send signals and it supports the contraction of muscles. The sedative properties of these drugs are also the result of its effects on GABA receptors. So, to depress seizures, the CNS must be