bromide

Bromide (typically administered as potassium bromide) is one of the oldest known antiepileptic drugs, first introduced into clinical practice in 1857. It acts as a central nervous system depressant by increasing the seizure threshold. The mechanism of action involves bromide ions competing with chloride ions for transport through GABA-A receptor-associated chloride channels. Because bromide ions are more permeable than chloride ions through these channels, their entry into the neuron leads to membrane hyperpolarization, effectively reducing neuronal excitability and stabilizing the neuronal membrane. Although largely superseded by modern anticonvulsants due to its narrow therapeutic window and the risk of chronic toxicity (bromism), bromide remains a critical therapy for refractory pediatric epilepsy syndromes, most notably Dravet syndrome and West syndrome, particularly in regions like Europe and Japan.

Brand names

Dibro-Be monoGalsen

Other names

potassium bromidesodium bromideKBrNaBrmagnesium bromide