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Warnings for Potassium Bromide

Potassium bromide, or bromide salt of potassium, is a common chemical that can pose serious risks for humans. This chemical was originally used in the United States to treat seizures and as a sedative, but never gained approval from the FDA to be used in humans. Currently, potassium bromide in pill form is mainly used to treat epilepsy in dogs and in science or medical laboratories.

  1. Inhalation and Ingestion

    • If dust from the crystal or powder form of potassium bromide is inhaled, it can irritate the respiratory tract. The symptoms vary from person to person and include coughing, sore throat and difficulty breathing. Ingesting any form of this chemical can have a serious impact on the nervous and digestion systems. Normally, vomiting occurs shortly after ingestion, but some of the chemical may still be absorbed into the body. This can cause a rash, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness and hallucinations, and sometimes results in a coma. Potassium bromide intoxication can occur in some people, causing unstable mental behavior an unusual aggression, among other symptoms.

    Skin or Eye Contact

    • In most cases, brief skin contact with a dry form of potassium bromide only produces minor skin irritation. Minor contact with a liquid form is more serious, causing some people to experience pain, redness and a chemical burn. If the chemical gets into the eyes, it may cause pain, redness and inflammation of the optic nerve. It is strongly recommended that safety glasses and protective gloves be used when handling potassium bromide in a lab setting.

    Prolonged Exposure

    • Prolonged or repeated skin contact with any form of potassium bromide can cause bromoderma, a rash of lesions and bumps all over the affected area. Repeated ingestion of small amounts of this chemical can cause the central nervous system to function at a lower pace than normal. Ataxia, or the loss of muscle coordination, may occur, as well as psychotic episodes and extreme irritability. These effects may be more severe for people who have certain pre-existing conditions, such as depression or a neurological disorder, as people with these types of disorders are generally more susceptible to the chemical's effects. Alcoholism and chemical dependency also may trigger a more extreme response to exposure.

    First Aid

    • In all cases of overexposure, a physician should be contacted. Someone who inhales potassium bromide fumes should be moved to an area with ventilation immediately. Oxygen can be used if the person is experiencing breathing difficulties. If the person loses consciousness, CPR should be used until emergency personnel arrive. If the chemical was ingested, vomiting often can be induced, but only under the direction of medical personnel. Eyes and skin should be rinsed for at least 15 minutes after contact with potassium bromide. If the chemical gets on any clothes, the clothes should be removed immediately and washed.

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