Ketamine hydrochloride

Ketamine Hydrochloride is a pharmaceutical drug used primarily for starting and maintaining anesthesia. It induces a trance-like state while providing pain relief, sedation, and memory loss. Other uses include for chronic pain, sedation in intensive care, and depression.

Medical Uses

Anesthesia

Ketamine is frequently used in severely injured people and appears to be safe in this group. A 2011 clinical practice guideline supports the use of ketamine as a dissociative sedative in emergency medicine.

Pain Management

Ketamine may be used for postoperative pain management. Low doses of ketamine may reduce morphine use, nausea, and vomiting after surgery. Ketamine is likely to be most beneficial in those with severe pain, and may be a reasonable option in those who are not responding to other therapies.

Mental Health

A 2015 review found that ketamine was effective for depression in adults when given as a nasal spray or injection. It produced a rapid antidepressant effect, and its use in those with treatment-resistant depression is being researched.

Side Effects

Common side effects include psychological reactions as the medication wears off. These reactions may include agitation, confusion, or psychosis. Elevated blood pressure and muscle tremors are relatively common. Other side effects may include an inability to move, nausea, or a metallic taste in the mouth.

Pharmacology

Ketamine is a NMDA receptor antagonist, but it also binds to the opioid mu and sigma receptors. It may also interact with other receptors, such as those for serotonin and dopamine.

History

Ketamine was discovered in 1962, first tested in humans in 1964, and was approved for use in the United States in 1970. It was extensively used for surgical anesthesia in the Vietnam War due to its safety.

Society and Culture

Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance in the U.S. and can lead to psychological and physical dependence.

See Also

• Anesthesia
• Depression
• Pain Management

References

Ketamine hydrochloride Resources
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