Uses

Indicated as a sole anesthetic agent for diagnostic and surgical procedures that do not require skeletal muscle relaxation, for the induction of anesthesia prior to other general anesthetic agents, and as a supplement to other anesthetics. Also used for procedural sedation and analgesia.

Do not use if

Contraindicated in patients for whom a significant elevation of blood pressure would be hazardous (e.g., history of stroke, severe coronary artery disease) and in patients with known hypersensitivity to ketamine or any excipient.

Side effects

Common adverse effects include emergence reactions (hallucinations, vivid dreams, dissociative states), hypertension, tachycardia, increased intracranial and intraocular pressure, hypersalivation, and laryngospasm. Respiratory depression and drug-induced liver injury may occur at higher doses.

Warnings

Monitor vital signs and cardiac function throughout administration. Take measures to minimize emergence reactions by reducing sensory stimulation during recovery. Use with caution in patients with elevated intracranial pressure, hyperthyroidism, or history of psychiatric disorders. Has potential for abuse and dependence.

How it works

Ketamine is a racemic non-competitive, non-selective NMDA receptor antagonist. It produces a dissociative anesthetic state characterized by analgesia, sedation, and amnesia while maintaining airway reflexes and spontaneous breathing. The major metabolite norketamine retains about one-third of ketamine's anesthetic potency.

Storage

Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Protect from light.