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NERVOUS SYSTEM › ANESTHETICS › ANESTHETICS, GENERAL › Other general anesthetics
ketamine
N01AX03
Forms & Strengths
- Injection: 10mg/mL, 50mg/mL, 100mg/mL
- Powder for injection: 20mg, 50mg, 100mg
- Tablet: 25mg, 50mg, 100mg
Adult Dosing
- Anesthesia induction: 1-2mg/kg IV, 4-6mg/kg IM
- Sedation: 0.2-0.5mg/kg IV, 1-2mg/kg IM
- Pain management: 0.1-0.5mg/kg IV, 0.5-1mg/kg IM
Pediatric Dosing
- Anesthesia induction: 1-2mg/kg IV, 4-6mg/kg IM
- Sedation: 0.5-1mg/kg IV, 1-2mg/kg IM
- Pain management: 0.1-0.5mg/kg IV, 0.5-1mg/kg IM
Indications
- Anesthesia induction and maintenance
- Sedation for diagnostic and surgical procedures
- Pain management, especially for acute trauma
- Treatment-resistant depression
Mechanism of Action
- NMDA receptor antagonist
- Blocks glutamate action, producing dissociative anesthesia
- Increases catecholamine release, producing sympathetic stimulation
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ketamine
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Closed-angle glaucoma
- Pregnancy and lactation
Adverse Reactions
- Psychomimetic effects, including hallucinations and emergence reactions
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Respiratory depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cognitive impairment
Drug Interactions
- Interacts with other CNS depressants, increasing sedative effect
- Interacts with sympathomimetic agents, increasing risk of arrhythmias
- Contraindicated with MAOIs and tricyclic antidepressants
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use