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