Norketamine

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia


Norketamine[edit | edit source]

Chemical structure of Norketamine

Norketamine is a metabolite of the anesthetic and analgesic drug ketamine. It is formed in the body through the process of N-demethylation by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, primarily in the liver. Norketamine retains some of the pharmacological properties of ketamine, contributing to its overall effects.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Norketamine acts on the central nervous system and has been shown to interact with the NMDA receptor, similar to its parent compound, ketamine. However, it has a lower affinity for the NMDA receptor compared to ketamine. This interaction is believed to contribute to its analgesic and dissociative effects.

Metabolism[edit | edit source]

The metabolism of ketamine to norketamine occurs primarily in the liver. The enzyme CYP3A4 is mainly responsible for the N-demethylation of ketamine to norketamine. Once formed, norketamine can undergo further metabolism to produce other metabolites, such as dehydronorketamine.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Norketamine is considered to have a role in the therapeutic effects of ketamine, particularly in its use as an antidepressant. The presence of norketamine in the body may prolong the effects of ketamine, contributing to its antidepressant and analgesic properties.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research into norketamine has focused on its potential therapeutic effects and its role in the overall pharmacological profile of ketamine. Studies have investigated its effects on pain management and its potential use in treating depression.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD