Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Assiut · Published 2026-07-14 · DOI 10.21608/bfsa.2026.467917.3024
Abdullah Ahmed Jassim, Yamama Zuhair Alabdaly
Potassium bromide serves as a sedative and anticonvulsant medication which people have used for many years but doctors remain worried about its potential to cause brain damage when taken multiple times. The research investigated how Swiss albino mice would react to oral potassium bromide during acute and subacute periods by studying behavioral responses together with biochemical, oxidative, and histopathological results. Acute toxicity was determined through LD₅₀ value estimation using a progressive oral administration method. The mice received potassium bromide orally at three doses (180, 360 and 720 mg/kg) for 14 days. Neurobehavioral performance was evaluated using open field activity, negative geotaxis, and curiosity-based tests. Serum markers of liver and kidney function were measured through ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine tests. Oxidative stress status was assessed by measuring reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde. Brain tissue samples underwent histological examination using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Repeated potassium bromide uses produced dose-dependent behavioral alterations including reduced locomotion and exploration, with parallel increases in liver and kidney injury markers. A pro-oxidant state developed as glutathione levels decreased and lipid peroxidation increased. Histopathological findings showed progressive neural injury, beginning with cytogenic edema and vacuolization at moderate exposure and advancing to severe gliosis, vascular congestion, and hemorrhage at higher exposure levels. Potassium bromide toxicity followed a linked sequence starting with behavioral disturbance, then oxidative imbalance, and finally structural brain damage. The findings indicate that repeated oral exposure to potassium bromide can induce significant oxidative and neural injury and should be considered potentially hazardous when administered multiple times.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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Jassim, A., Alabdaly, Y. (2026). Neurotoxic Consequences of Repeated Oral Potassium Bromide Exposure: Implications for Dose-Dependent Safety and Oxidative-Mediated Brain Injury. Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Assiut. https://doi.org/10.21608/bfsa.2026.467917.3024